852.2221/1508: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Chargé in Spain (Thurston),75 Then in France
B–492. Reference Department’s telegram B–488, March 2, 8 p.m. The announcement in the press some days ago that arrangements had been completed for the exchange of the American prisoners in the hands of General Franco has led to many inquiries. It would be helpful in replying to these inquiries if you could ascertain, perhaps through the representative of the International Red Cross or other organization interested in facilitating the exchange of prisoners, whether it has been possible to effect any practical arrangements with respect to these Americans. We realize, of course, that the current developments in Spain may have created serious difficulties in this connection.
- Ambassador Bowers had been called to Washington for consultation and was absent from St. Jean de Luz from March 3 to April 15, leaving Mr. Thurston in charge.↩