740.0011 European War 1939/26283a: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Spain (Hayes)
1362. Reports reaching us indicate that Spanish garrisons in Spanish Morocco are being substantially augmented. It is of course our hope that if true this is only an added evidence of Spain’s determination to defend her neutrality at all costs should her present frontiers at any point be violated.
In view of the assurances we have given spontaneously to the Spanish Government, and of the supplementary sweeping assurances we have furnished upon the request of Ambassador Cárdenas, it may be opportune for us to ask of the Spanish Government without delay assurances respecting the Spanish forces in Morocco. I need not tell you that an assurance that these forces under General Orgaz are not for aggressive purposes and would not be used except to defend Spanish neutrality and her present frontiers would be of inestimable value.
You are authorized to approach the Spanish Government in this sense and in a most friendly manner unless you entertain strong reasons against such an action.