852.6363/869: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Spain (Hayes)

1281. Your 1362, May 24.

1.
Department approves in principle the importation into Spain of limited quantities of 87 octane aviation gasoline. However, before authority can be given you to discuss matter with Spanish authorities, it is necessary for us to reach an agreement with the military and other authorities here as to the terms and various conditions to which the Spaniards must agree. The matter is under active consideration here, and we hope to telegraph you our final views in the immediate future.
2.
The question has been raised here as to what lines it is proposed the Spaniards will operate as result of the importation of this aviation gasoline. Please telegraph urgently what routes are traversed by the Iberia lines, giving your comments as to desirability to the United States of maintaining traffic over the respective lines.
Hull