852.00/8847: Telegram
The Counselor of Embassy in Spain (Thurston) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 24—3:20 p.m.]
1186. My 1185, January 24, 4 p.m.23 The British Minister has just read to me by telephone the following message from Negrin to the [Page 730] Sub-Secretary of State and delivered to the latter for distribution to the Diplomatic Corps:
“The Government has been transferred to the Province of Gerona and has removed all its services there. Representatives of each Ministry are remaining in Barcelona, the Ministry of State is charged with the organization of administrative functions. I ask the Diplomatic Corps to go to the Province of Gerona and I wish that the Ministry of State should give this notification to the Diplomatic Corps assuring them that despite all difficulties the Government will maintain a tenacious resistance and that the present distress will be followed by an indefinite prolongation of the war. Please instruct Senor del Vayo to remain at Figueras.”
The French Ambassador and British Minister are submitting the foregoing to their Governments and for the time being will remain at Caldetas, where French and British naval vessels are stationed. I shall see them again tomorrow and inform you of their instructions on the situation.
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