352.1121 Fernandez, Antonio/54: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Consul at Gibraltar (Williams)

Your July 1, 2 p.m.80 transmitting report from Fisher. Following for Fisher:

“Charges against Fernandez reported your 30th do not appear sufficiently serious to justify rigid attitude of authorities at Palma de Mallorca, especially since he has already served some months in prison. We have requested Bay to present situation to General Queipo de Llano in the hope that Palma authorities may be persuaded to permit Fernandez to leave Island under your personal escort. As stated in our telegram of June 14 unnecessarily severe action against Fernandez would undoubtedly cause most unfavorable reaction in this country. You should therefore continue your own efforts to persuade authorities to permit him to leave without awaiting trial. Obtain statement of Fernandez in duplicate in form of affidavit supporting his contention of innocence of charges made against him. Report any further details obtained regarding these charges and likelihood of authorities moderating their attitude.”

Hull
  1. Quoted, except for introductory phrase, in telegram of July 3, 2 p.m., to the Consul at Seville, supra.