611.5231/633: Telegram
The Ambassador in Spain (Laughlin) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11:30 a.m.]
12. Yesterday evening I made the representations outlined in your numbers 6, January 30, 2 p.m., and 10, February 4, noon, with regard to the note of protest.
I was assured that if we wait until the conversations begin in Washington the Foreign Office will recommend to Ministry of Commerce the extension of most-favored-nation treatment. They ask for this delay in order to be able to represent to the Ministry of Commerce that the conversations are actually in progress as there are other remonstrating countries to which most-favored-nation treatment has not yet been granted and they want to be able to advance some reason for extending it to us.
I said I would telegraph this proposal at once but could not foreshadow your reply.
I feel that the Foreign Office is acting in good faith and that nothing would be lost here by holding off for the present. I shall therefore [Page 530] withhold the note of protest until you have had time to consider this report and send me further instructions.