852.2221/1651: Telegram
The Chargé in Spain (Matthews) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 23—7:18 a.m.]
56. My telegram Number 54, May 16, 5 p.m. I again took up with Under Secretary Barcenas at Burgos on May 17 the question of the release of American prisoners of war still held in Spain. I again expressed the strong hope that their release could be arranged in the very near future and pointed out that the civil war had terminated almost two months ago. Barcenas concurred fully as to the desirability of granting them their freedom at an early date and promised to take the matter up personally with General Franco as soon as he saw him following the Madrid victory celebrations. He said that he believed the question would be settled “very soon” but again expressed his inability to make any promise to this effect.