File No. 763.72111Sp1/5

The Ambassador in Spain ( Willard ) to the Secretary of State

[Telegram]

631. Embassy’s telegram 622, June 16, 12 a.m. [6 p.m.].1 Minister for Foreign Affairs has just informed me personally Spanish Government has decided, and orders to that effect have been issued, to permit such repairs to be made to German submarine now at Cadiz as may be necessary in order to enable it to proceed to its nearest German or allied German base. This decision is based upon (1) the failure of the Hague convention to make any distinction between a submarine and any other style of war vessel and (2) upon the precedent set by the Spanish Government in the Cartagena submarine case of some months ago. A time limit has been set on or before the expiration of which said repairs must be completed and submarine must set out for its base, but Minister for Foreign Affairs declines to name the time limit. He states that time limit was set as a result of careful investigation by Spanish naval experts of repairs necessary, which examination disclosed that damages were not result of any hostile encounter but were incident to ocean travel, that commander of submarine stated [no?] action was had on the date on which British Ambassador claims submarine was engaged with English [Page 1291] torpedo-boat destroyer, and otherwise confirmed by results of examination made by Spanish experts. British Embassy states it has evidence, confirmed by French Embassy, that submarine has already unloaded and deposited in Spanish arsenal, Cadiz, six tons of explosives. British Ambassador through his Secretary desires this Embassy to support his vigorous protest made several days ago to Spanish Government and strenuously renewed this afternoon under further instructions from his Government. This Embassy has replied that it will await instructions from Department before taking such action. My impression is that Spanish Government, before actual release is granted, will demand guarantees from the German Government that submarine will do no hostile act en route to its home base. Embassy awaits instruction.

Willard
  1. Not printed.