853B.20/47: Telegram
The Consul at Ponta Delgada, Azores (Dawson) to the Secretary of State
[Received 12:02 p.m.]
109. The local government has requested me to furnish the names and addresses of all American citizens on this island. This demand is in connection with the military order that all foreigners be concentrated within the city of Ponta Delgada and that in case of a designated signal they proceed immediately to place of concentration under penalty of execution without trial as reported in my telegrams 97, [Page 235] March 29, 5 p.m. and 100, March 31, 11 a.m. This alarm was given shortly after midnight of April 4 and others are to be expected at any time. It is feared that in the state of excitement the threatened executions may be carried out. In view of note 19, section 173, of the Consular Regulations21 may I comply with the request? Please rush answer as this area is under rigid military control.
- In note 19, a Foreign Service Officer was forbidden to furnish any inquirer with list of persons registered with the Consulate or to give any information contained in the record of a registrant except when convinced that to do so was in the interest of the registrant.↩