852.48/444: Telegram
The Chargé in Spain ( Matthews ) to the Secretary of State
[Received 1:15 p.m.]
49. My telegram No. 32, April 26, 3 p.m., last paragraph, and the Department’s telegram No. 3, February [April] 28, 4 p.m. As of possible interest the British Consul told me that a whole train load of the foodstuffs contributed by the British Government for Spanish relief left Bilbao on April 27 ostensibly for Madrid and that incredible as it might seem neither the Spanish authorities or British officials as yet have been able to find where either the train or its contents now is. It has definitely not reached Madrid.
[Page 798]I have been told by representatives of the American Friends Service Committee that they have been given so little say in distribution of present food stocks and have received so little cooperation from the Auxilio Social that they are considering abandoning their work in Spain. A number of their representatives have already left the country.