124.52/168: Telegram
The Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain (Wendelin) to the Secretary of State
[Received 9:52 p.m.]
X–444. Situation of Embassy and refugees at Madrid is source of serious concern in view of recent air bombing of so-called neutral zone until now respected by rebels. In air raid last evening numerous incendiary and explosive bombs were dropped in the Embassy area. Several explosive bombs landed in street outside British Embassy and incendiary and explosive bombs on British Embassy annex and building housing Consulate. British Embassy custodian and an Englishwoman slightly injured. Repetition of such bombing altogether likely since Government is using area for military purposes. Embassy custodian reports Government artillery now firing from point half a mile distant.
There are now 34 American nationals in the Embassy plus 88 Spanish guards, employees, servants, and their wives and children. Problem of feeding these people is becoming acute as only certain of the Americans are contributing to cost of food which is very scarce and increasingly high in price. International Banking Corporation Manager at Madrid has advanced some 4000 pesetas to buy food as otherwise reserves would be completely exhausted with no possibility of replenishment. Thus far Embassy employees have not been called upon to contribute to cost of food.
I would appreciate the Department’s opinion and instructions regarding best solution of food problem and possible necessity of evacuating Embassy entirely if progress of fighting makes this necessary. Madrid military authorities are understood to have ordered compulsory evacuation from city of all women and children and aged non-combatants. If evacuation of people in the Embassy becomes necessary principal problem would be transportation and what disposition to make of Spanish employees and their families.