740.0011 European War 1939/3796: Telegram
The Ambassador in Spain (Weddell) to the Secretary of State
[Received June 14—3:08 p.m.]
193. My 186, June 13, 10 p.m. [a.m.] An amusing following up of yesterday’s declaration of Spain’s non-belligerency is an order in today’s Official Bulletin signed by Serrano Suñer declaring that in view of Spain’s position with regard to the European conflict the “paper war” of propaganda now being carried on by the representatives of the belligerent powers in Spain must be brought to an end. Also “reading rooms, libraries, and similarly named premises” used for the dissemination of belligerent propaganda are therefore ordered closed and publication of “information bulletins” is prohibited. Embassy press sections may continue to prepare such information bulletins but may not distribute them to other than Spanish Government authorities or the national headquarters of the party.