711.52/238: Telegram
The Ambassador in Spain (Hayes) to the Secretary of State
[Received 9:03 p.m.]
1671. For Under Secretary. In accordance with your 1137, October 31, 5 p.m. I communicated the following declaration to the Foreign Minister and through him to General Franco:
“Such articles and resolutions of organizations as have recently appeared in the American press advocating the rupture of diplomatic relations with Spain in no way represent the policy of the Government of the United States of America.
It is the purpose of the Government of the United States of America to do everything possible to prevent Spain from being brought in to the war and Spain’s desire to remain out of the war is fully recognized by the United States. The Government of the United States has no intention of infringing upon the sovereignty of Spain or of any Spanish colonial possessions or islands or protectorates. The United States will take no action of any sort which would in any way violate Spanish territory.
Moreover, the Government of the United States of America perceiving with much gratification the improvement of relations between the two countries which has been taking place in recent months, strongly deprecates any activities by purely private organizations or individuals within the United States which would seem intended to prejudice the growth of good feeling between the Spanish people and the people of the United States.”
I also added that “the foregoing declaration has been personally authorized by the President of the United States and Commander in Chief of the American Army and Navy”.