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    PG/16423
     
    Translated by:
    3/c Richie W.R.N.S.
 
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S E C T I O N     V I I
 
 
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General
  
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                                                                   TOP SECRET                           Copy Number 171  
     
 
Current Order No. 120 - Nov. '43.
 
     
          As a result of strong English pressure on Spain, there is a danger as recent incidents have shown, of U-boats and crews being interned by the Spanish authorities in much greater numbers than before.  In view of recent experience, the conduct of boats should be such as to make it as hard as possible for the Spanish authorities to find any pretext for internment.  
     
          It is therefore laid down:  
     
  1.  As U-boats are permitted to enter neutral ports to repair damage to the extent essential for the safety of shipping (se-neutrality agreement, article 17), damaged boats may enter Spanish ports in order to render themselves seaworthy again.  
     
  2.  Spanish ports are to be entered, whenever possible, under the U-boat's own power, making use of every available expedient, and requests for tuggage are to be avoided.  
     
  3.  The Spanish authorities are to be informed of the time required for repairs.  The Spanish port is to be left within the period fixed by the Spanish authorities.  
     
  4.  If the vessel is too severely damage to be made seaworthy again, internment must be avoided.  The boat is to be scuttled.  
     
  5.  As a stranded boat runs the risk of being interned, it is to be sunk if practicable, unless a speedy refloat can be reckoned on.  In every case, secret matter and all installations and weapons, which may not fall into foreign hands, should be destroyed.  
     
  6.  Scuttling is, if possible, to be so carried out that it will not be recognized as such.  The fact that the boat has been scuttled is not to be mentioned to the Spanish authorities, and the loss of the boat is to be attributed to enemy action or to damage.  
     
  7.  It can be assumed that, if the boat is destroyed, members of the ship-wrecked crew will not be interned subsequently.  
     
  a)  If they are picked up and brought ashore by a neutral merchant ship e.g. a Spanish fishing vessel.  
  b)  If they swim ashore or reach land in a rubber dinghy.  
     
  According to international agreement, release can be more surely counted on in case a) than in case b), so that on these grounds alone, an attempt must be made to be picked up by a neutral merchant ship.