852.00/2238: Telegram

The Ambassador in France (Straus) to the Secretary of State

[Extract]

643. Following message received over the telephone from Wendelin.

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“We intend to continue to take every precaution possible for the safety of American residents in Madrid and urge them all to come to the Embassy for protection. I am endeavoring to obtain additional police protection for the Embassy. We consider that such additional protection is absolutely necessary as our present force of four Assault Guards is entirely inadequate. Consulate has been closed and transferred to Embassy with all important files. The two guards assigned to Consulate now form part of the four on duty at the Embassy. We are informed that other Embassies and Legations in Madrid are now being guarded additionally by armed militia. Thus far we have no guard of this character at this Embassy and intend to make every effort to retain our present guard and obtain more.”

Straus