852.00/5777: Telegram
The Vice Consul at Barcelona (Flood) to the Secretary of State
[Received 9:40 p.m.]
In what appears to be a political move to crush the P. O. U. M. (Trotsky Communist Party) in Barcelona, police authorities have announced the arrest of numerous persons including “dangerous foreigners and personages of a certain political party”. No names given and prisoners being held incommunicado pending investigation. Probable charge in most cases will be espionage.
Charles A. Orr, born at North Branch, Michigan and wife Lois Cutler Orr, American citizens, José Escuder, Spanish, representing North American Newspaper Alliance whose American wife is here, and possibly other Americans are among those held.
Upon attempting to interview Orr and wife for the purpose of investigation, they were reported to have refused to see Consulate representative. Will report further facts when available.78
- The Vice Consul reported on June 26 that Mr. and Mrs. Orr had been released. The other Americans were released some weeks later (352.1121 Orr, Charles A./6).↩