852.00/6070: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Bullitt) to the Secretary of State
[Received 6:45 p.m.]
1043. We are told by the Italian Embassy that they see little possibility of arriving at a solution of the impasse in the London Non-intervention Committee. They consider it practically impossible to work out by agreement individualistic or modified system of control. On the other hand they do not believe that there will be any break down in the negotiations which would result in the disappearance of the “façade” of non-intervention; they feel that the discussions will drag on indefinitely; that the only real solution will be one found on the field of battle and are confident of Franco’s ultimate victory.
They say that it is absurd to fear the possibility of the Spanish conflict leading to a general war since if there is one thing certain about the Spanish situation it is that not one of the principal European powers desires to push the matter so far as to lead to war. What is taking place in and about the London Committee they saw the most gigantic game of poker the world has ever seen, everyone is bluffing and every one knows that every one else is bluffing; in the meanwhile behind the convenient facade of non-intervention the principal powers continue to send assistance to one side or the other in Spain.
Copy to Rome.