852.00/8358
The Secretary of State to the Counselor of Embassy in Spain (Thurston)
Sir: The Department has noted with interest the information contained in your strictly confidential telegram no. 1025 of August 15, noon, and in other reports which you have submitted, indicating the possibility that the Spanish Government may be disposed to take steps to terminate the present conflict by negotiation. For your confidential information in this connection, you are advised that the [Page 239] American Consul General at Zurich has informed the Department that according to an unofficial but very reliable source, Premier Negrín and the Duke of Alba, special agent of General Franco at London, were observed to have met in the Sihl forest near Zurich during the former’s visit to that city. What occurred at this meeting is not known.
The Department will, of course, be interested in receiving any information which may come to your attention regarding any steps that may be taken by the Spanish Government with a view to a peaceful settlement of the present conflict.
Very truly yours,