852.00/5739: Telegram
The Vice Consul at Barcelona (Flood) to the Secretary of State
[Received 8:50 p.m.]
Department’s June 3, 2 p.m. Private information here is that steamer Ciudad Barcelona carried 104 American volunteers of whom over 50 lost their lives in the sinking of the ship; over 1000 foreign volunteers were aboard destined for international combat few of whose lives were saved.
Other, that ship was heavily laden with war material including 800 aeroplane motors of American make and that Government vessels are on the scene of the disaster with the intention of salvaging these motors at least. Insurgent radio broadcast that warships will prevent this if undertaken.