740.00114A European War 1939/100: Telegram
The Chargé at Tangier (Childs) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 10—1:32 p.m.]
573. The British Consul in Tetuán informs me that an American plane was forced to land near Tetuán yesterday with a crew of 11 who have been brought into a barracks in Tetuán by the Spanish authorities. There is a report also from the British Consul in Melilla which [Page 513] is not yet confirmed that three American planes made a forced landing at Tistuten yesterday. One was said to be able to leave with the crews of the others but the planes were reported to have previously dropped 15 parachutists who have been rounded up and detained by the Spanish.
I am approaching the authorities in Tetuán tomorrow to learn fuller information and to make arrangements for their welfare.
In the past the British have arranged with the Spanish for the release of British airmen similarly brought down in Spanish Morocco as against German and Italian aviators who have made forced landings and who have been released. It is suggested the Department may desire to take up with the British Foreign Office the question of arranging that in future the release of American and British interned aviators in Spanish Morocco against Axis personnel should be undertaken in concert.
Repeated to Madrid.