Office of the Historian

852.00/5781: Telegram

The Counselor of Embassy in Spain (Thurston) to the Secretary of State

Valencia, June 20, 1937—9 a.m.
[Received 1:30 p.m.]

683. My 674, June 16, 11 a.m. Draft copy of Spanish reply to London note on control (subject to slight changes) handed to me last evening by Giral contains following points:

(1)
Surprise expressed that note presented on behalf of four members rather than by full Non-intervention Committee. Government therefore awaits statement by Committee before committing itself.
(2)
Government unable to give consideration to the proposals advanced until they are accompanied by others designed to guarantee the safety of Spanish merchant ships, ports, and coastal cities against the more or less disguised attacks to which they have been subjected by German and Italian warships, and to prevent such vessels from continuing to lend their collaboration to naval units in the possession of the rebels.
(3)
Not to adopt a purely negative attitude, Government suggests consideration of idea of emphasizing the international character of control vessels by having neutral observers on them. This would be facilitated if the control service were to be entrusted to armed trawlers or small auxiliary craft instead of large units of the fleets.
(4)
Finally the Government energetically protests against employment in note of phrase “two contending parties” since it implies equality of Government with Rebels.

Thurston