711.52/237: Telegram
The Ambassador in Spain (Hayes) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 31—12:44 a.m.]
1649. For the Under Secretary. The Foreign Minister told me today that Sir Samuel Hoare62 in behalf of the British Government had recently given to him and Franco solemn assurances substantially identical with those contained in your personal letter of October 11 to me. General Jordana said he would like to have prompt similar assurances from me in behalf of my Government with a view to reassuring General Franco and counteracting the effect of propaganda and innuendos of “another power”. He pointed out that much was being made in “certain quarters” of articles in the American press advocating rupture of diplomatic relations with Spain and even war with Spain and while he personally discounted these articles and did not believe they reflected any policy or opinion within the American Government he would greatly appreciate a categorical statement from us. He explained that it could be made exclusively for himself and General Franco and would be held in the strictest confidence by [Page 301] them. He said further that he would expect us to attach to it a provision against Spain’s affording any military aid to our enemies. He clearly implied that Spain was now resolved to resist violations of her territory from every side.
The British Ambassador has since confirmed to me that he has given the mentioned assurances to Generals Jordana and Franco besides incorporating them in speeches he has made in England and in Spain.
In the circumstances I request authorization to convey the substance of your letter to the Caudillo and Foreign Minister immediately.
- British Ambassador in Spain.↩