23 Jun. 1940

Telegram from Lopo Simeão – special envoy to Bayonne – to the MNE saying in view of circumstances cannot go to Bordeaux and informing that the Spanish Consul in [Bayonne] “said that if Portuguese Government did not punish Bordeaux Consul immediately it would not be able entirely to disclaim responsibility for these acts that should be considered abuse of power. Unusually tragic circumstances may justify act of madness of said functionary or any other”.

(AHD – Cipher, Collection of Telegrams received)
In documents: Aristides de Sousa Mendes