852.00/5607
Memorandum by the Secretary of State
The German Ambassador called upon my invitation. I first thanked him and then proceeded to say that, without regard to the merits in any sense, I was extremely sorry to learn of the unfortunate occurrence near Ibiza, Balearic Islands. I did not undertake to convey any sympathy as between governments.
I then said that I did not propose to discuss the facts pertaining to this unfortunate incident, for one reason that I did not know the facts. I said that furthermore it was not my purpose to discuss the question of whether a state of war exists for the reason the facts were not known. This statement referred to our embargo legislation and its possible operation, without so saying. I finally said that in any comment I might make I would keep entirely within the limits of absolute friendliness towards the German Government and the German people and of complete devotion to the cause of peace. Thereupon I said that my Government naturally desired to express to the German Government its most earnest hope that that Government may see its way clear to make peaceful adjustment of its difficulties growing out of and relating to the Spanish situation to which reference had just been made. I reiterated with some emphasis this view. The Ambassador expressed approval of these sentiments, and then added, with some emphasis, that his Government has no plan or purpose or disposition to enter into war with Spain; that the German battleship Deutschland was attacked from the air while the men were at mess with some 24 fatalities and more than 84 wounded; that the German Government had decided upon a reprisal in the way of a bombardment of Almeria which took place on Sunday morning (yesterday). He said that while he would not undertake to speak authoritatively [Page 311] or finally, that he feels his Government will not become involved in a war. He added that his Government has no interest in the Spanish situation except that it does not desire to see a communist government established in Spain.