852.00/5478
The British Embassy to the Department of State
Spanish Conflict
The London Non-intervention Committee will meet early next week and discuss a British proposal that the two parties to the conflict be approached with a view to bringing about a cessation of bombing from the air in further stages of the struggle.
It seems likely that some of the Governments may desire to widen the proposal and include other forms of atrocities such as execution of hostages.
[Page 297]A public statement by the President on humanitarian grounds in favour of a cessation of bombing would carry immense weight. Would he be inclined thus to support the British proposal by issuing a statement either
- (a)
- before the meeting of the Committee, or
- (b)
- after the meeting, as the result of any unanimous favourable response by the participating Governments?