852.2221/1462a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Spain (Bowers), Then in France
B–477. We understand that some weeks ago the Friends of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade asked the Spanish Ambassador here if the Spanish Government would request initiation of negotiations for the exchange of foreign prisoners on both sides. We have today received a note from the Spanish Ambassador71 stating that he has been authorized to state that his Government is willing that diplomatic representations to this end be undertaken by us.
We realize, of course, that you have been in touch with developments in connection with the possible release of American prisoners held by General Franco. We are transmitting this information for your comment whether anything practical can now be done in the direction indicated in the Spanish Ambassador’s note, in the light of the developments in the situation since the suggestion was originally made some weeks ago.
- Not printed.↩