352.1121 Fernandez, Antonio/101: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Consul at Seville (Bay)

For Fisher. Department has received your telegram of October 20 through Gibraltar. The reasons adduced by General Canovas in support of the contention that Fernandez must be considered a Spanish citizen are not clear to this Department and in any event do not appear to contain anything to justify a change in our opinion that he and his wife are American citizens on the basis of the information available to us.

In view of the fact that General del Rey appears to have been replaced, it is hoped that progress may be made in obtaining an early trial. Consul Bay has been requested to bring this case again strongly to the attention of General Queipo de Llano with a view to obtaining immediate action on the part of General Franco. You should keep Bay, as well as the Department, informed of developments.

It is assumed that you are transmitting by mail the text of the memorandum handed to you by General Canovas.12

Hull
  1. Transmitted in the Consul’s despatch No. 39, October 23, not printed.