File No. 763.72111Sp1/50
The Chargé in Spain ( Wilson) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 14, 12.05 p.m.]
879. The British Ambassador called an informal meeting to-day at which were present chiefs of missions of France, Italy, Russia, [Page 1298] United States, Japan, Belgium, Serbia, Greece, and Portugal, to discuss the question of urging the Spanish Government to intern the crews of German merchant vessels now in Spanish ports. Although without actual proof, it was unanimously agreed that these ships are used as bases where German submarines receive supplies, information, and even crews. It was further agreed that all above representatives should request authorization of their Governments to support the note of the French Ambassador (see Embassy’s telegram 852, October 27, 10 a.m., and despatch 909, November 11), suggesting the advisability of interning such merchant crews. The opinion seemed to be that there was little hope that the suggestion would be accepted but that it was worth while to make an attempt and put the Spanish Government on record. If this internment spontaneous, I believe it would remove the chief abuse of which the Department complains in its confidential telegram 746, November 10, 7 p.m.2 Therefore request Department’s instruction to send note in the mentioned [sense]. The British Ambassador has secured such authorization. In his note to Minister of State he will suggest as alternative to internment of crews if that is impossible, that the Spanish Government send all German vessels to one port, preferably Algeciras, where they could be carefully watched and could not be used as submarine bases. Personally I do not think Spanish Government will consider this latter request.