752.00114/63
The Ambassador in Spain (Bowers), Then in France, to the Secretary of State
[Received November 25.]
Sir: I have the honor to report that the Commission for the Exchange of Non-Military Prisoners headed by Field Marshal Sir Philip Chetwode of the British Army has been encountering serious difficulties for the six months of its efforts and that a crisis has developed in its work which may endanger its existence.
An agreement was reached for the exchange of 147 inmates of the Cuban Embassy in Madrid for a like number of political prisoners on Franco’s side. On November 5 the 147 from the Cuban Embassy who had been sent to Valencia embarked under the eye of the International Red Cross on the British ship the Hood and were sent to Marseilles.
It was understood of course that 147 prisoners on Franco’s side should on the same day cross the border at Hendaye.
But while the Government released its 147 prisoners on November 5th, none came out at Hendaye on that day. Press correspondents went to the border to see them emerge and on inquiry it was announced by Franco representatives that there was some reason why they could not be sent out until the next Saturday November 12th. When they failed to appear on November 12th, the correspondents were told positively they would come out on November 15th. But on that day they failed to appear.
The reason vaguely given by Francoists is that the Government substituted some “anarchists” for some of those in the Cuban Embassy and that these were to be sent over into Franco territory for espionage purposes. No correspondent and no one else believes this story. It seems too absurd. Another story is that there were some of the inmates of the Cuban Embassy who had died and that other prisoners held by the Government were substituted for these.
The effect has been to destroy confidence in the efficacy of the Chetwode Commission. It may hopelessly impair its work. I learn positively that the Field Marshal is much disliked in Franco territory [Page 340] and is charged with going beyond his announced duties to report fully on conditions in the rebel zone.
That Chetwode is not favorably impressed by the rebels I know. He was treated with marked discourtesy when he first arrived and was refused permission to cross the border for several days, though all arrangements had previously been made. He has since been charged with saying that the Government infantry is superior to that of the rebels. Last week Lady Chetwode was at my house for tea and I was surprised by the opinions she expressed about the Francoists. She impressed me as quite belligerently anti-Franco, and I suspect she reflects the views of her husband.
Respectfully yours,