340.1115A/1228a: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Spain (Weddell)
176. Rome telegraphs as follows:
“During recent weeks American citizens travelling from Italy to the United States have generally been able to obtain Spanish and Portuguese visaes only upon my intervention. This matter has been discussed with my Spanish and Portuguese colleagues and the latter has now assured me that Portuguese visaes will be granted to American citizens without delay upon presentation of steamer or plane tickets to the United States. The Spanish Consul however still requires a recommendation from the Embassy and moreover charges approximately 200 lire for a transit visa. Could the Department take this matter up with the Spanish Government?”
You will please explain the situation to the appropriate authorities and ascertain whether in these circumstances and in view of the emergency the issuance of visas to Americans in Italy desiring to pass through Spain to Portugal in transit to a port of embarkation for the United States may be facilitated. The Department is endeavoring to assist in every possible way the transit of Americans proceeding to such ports and you may assure the Spanish Government that anything that may be done to further this end will be greatly appreciated.