125.199/52: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Spain (Bowers), Then in France
B–378. Your 393 of November 13, 1 p.m. and 394 of November 14, noon.97 There has been little press comment here regarding reports you mention that Chapman will return to Bilbao as an “agent” or in a diplomatic or other representative capacity with the insurgent authorities. In reply to press inquiries we have made it clear that Chapman will return to his post in his capacity as consul only; that as in the case of our consulate at Malaga the consul at Bilbao will resume his duties because we feel conditions now make it safe to do so; and that the maintenance of our consulates in insurgent territory involves no question of recognition.
In view of Bay’s report that General Franco has authorized the return of Chapman to Bilbao and has undertaken to telegraph at once to facilitate his entry at Irun, Chapman should make every effort to conclude arrangements for immediate return.
- Neither printed.↩