852.00/8091
The Ambassador in Spain (Bowers), Then in France, to the Secretary of State
[Received June 14.]
Sir: I have the honor to enclose as part of this despatch the Note of the Spanish Government to the Foreign Offices of London and Paris70 insisting on a statement as to what has been done to end the barbarous bombing of women and children in Spain since last February when the British Government announced that steps would be taken.
This Note was entirely justified, I think, because days had passed after the beastial bombing of women and children in Alicante without any indication that a protest would be made either by the British or the French; and because these nations by their policy of “Non-Intervention” have denied the Spanish Government the right which in common with all other countries it possesses under international law, to buy anti-aircraft guns for the protection of its civilians against this wholesale slaughter.
Since the receipt of this Note of Sr. Del Vayo’s, and since the Opposition in the House of Commons have raised the point that a protest was due, especially in view of the promise of last February that steps would be taken by the British Government to end the bombing of open towns, the French and the British have made their protest on the insistence, as I understand, of Daladier.
I am thoroughly convinced that the speech of Secretary Hull and the earlier statement of Under-Secretary Welles are more effective on the Spanish supporter[s] of General Franco than anything coming from either Great Britain or France. I find distinct concern among [Page 211] the Spanish supporters of Franco over the effect of these barbarous acts in the United States. And I note, as most significant, the disposition of these Spaniards to bitterly criticize the Germans and Italians as responsible—the clear implication being that the General has been literally blackmailed into a reluctant agreement to resort to this savage method of warfare.
Respectfully yours,
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