852.48/1453: Telegram

The Ambassador in Spain (Hayes) to the Secretary of State

704. My 626, March 15 midnight. Portuguese Ambassador, Madrid, in agreement with Salazar has urgently asked that our Minister in Lisbon32 address a letter to Salazar requesting Portugal to grant transit to refugees departing from Spain with Spanish consent. I have communicated this request to Mr. Fish who I believe would like instructions from the Department.

I should appreciate it if the Department would immediately authorize Mr. Fish to address such a letter to Salazar, omitting references to nationality, destination and age of refugees.

Repeated to Lisbon.

Hayes
  1. Bert Fish.