852.00/2228: Telegram

The Counselor of Embassy in Spain (Johnson) to the Secretary of State

51. Situation here dangerous; battle in the streets quite near the Chancellery yesterday; artillery fire on land and from a small war vessel of the Spanish Government which has already left again. The [Page 634] Popular Front has now won the most of the city, but situation may become still worse if other revolutionary forces arrive here or if the red part of the Popular Front is no longer under control. This telegram has been sent through the courtesy of a French dispatch boat which has just arrived. Impossible to communicate with the Ambassador at Fuenterrabia or with anyone outside of the city. I believe the Americans here are safe up to the present. The British Ambassador is trying to send communication asking for a warship and I recommend that an American ship be sent here immediately if possible.

Johnson