852.2221/1384
The Chargé in France (Wilson) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 23.]
Sir: I have the honor to enclose a copy of a self-explanatory memorandum prepared by Vice-Consul Gannett12 relating to the arrival in France of a group of 326 American volunteers evacuated from Loyalist Spain on December 2, 1938.
These men were originally scheduled to sail on s/s Normandie on December 3, 1938, from Le Havre, but due to a strike declared by the Seamen’s Union the vessel was unable to depart on schedule. The group has been quartered in the Hotel d’Heve, a large and commodious barracks owned by the French government and used by the French Line. They are maintained at that place at the expense of the French Line. An effort is being made by the American representative of the Friends of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade here to obtain passage for them on another vessel, possibly to charter a vessel, to accommodate this group and a further group of approximately 230 men who are expected to arrive shortly.
It is recalled that this group of Americans was admitted into France under a blanket transit visa good only for immediate travel through [Page 345] France from the Franco-Spanish frontier to the port of embarkation. A special train was provided for this purpose which was routed through to the port without stop at Paris. The men were accompanied by Vice-Consuls Gannett and Worley, as well as by Mr. David Amariglio, the American representative of the Friends of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade. They were met on arrival at Le Havre by Consul Wiley who has kept closely in touch with the men throughout their stay at Le Havre. Every effort has been made by the French government and the French Line authorities to make their unexpected sojourn at Le Havre, due only to the sudden strike development which could not be foreseen, as pleasant and comfortable as possible.
Respectfully yours,
- Not printed.↩