File No. 763.72111/916
The Ambassador in Spain (Willard) to the Secretary of State
Madrid, November 10, 1914.
[Received November 30.]
No. 177]
Sir: I have the honor to enclose herewith, in original and translation, an article appearing in A B C, of November 6, 1914, which contains the statements of the Prime Minister before Congress as to Spain’s neutrality in the present European War. It will be noted that Spain’s position of neutrality is reaffirmed, and that the Government will appeal to Congress in case a change of attitude becomes necessary.
I have [etc.]
[Enclosure—Translation]
Article appearing in “A B C” of November 6, 1914—Statements of Prime Minister before Congress as to neutrality of Spain in the present European War
The Prime Minister reaffirms, in accordance with the wishes of a majority in Congress, the Government’s purpose to preserve the neutrality, which, with the warm applause of the country, was agreed upon immediately after the beginning of the present European War.
The Spanish Nation, he adds, has not received the slightest offense from the belligerent countries, and the causes of the conflict are totally foreign to it. For these reasons, therefore, Spain desires to keep aloof from the horrors of war.
[Page 136]This observance of neutrality is an indisputable right, and has been respected and recognized as legitimate by the very belligerent countries themselves, which countries have constantly honored our ambassadors and consuls with the custody of their countrymen.
Moreover, the Government has omitted nothing which would appear advisable for the national defense. All proper measures will be adopted which may be deemed necessary, in the belief that this policy will be supported by Congress and the country.
Should any unexpected circumstance compel us to change our attitude, we will hasten to appeal to the Parliament. In case it is not in session, it will be convened, because we absolutely trust in the patriotism of Congress.
He then alludes to the contingency of an aggression, and says that he does not believe that such a thing can happen; but in such contingency he says that we would be ready to defend the honor of Spain, her liberty and her independence.
He prays for the return of peace, and adds:
Meanwhile, we will strictly comply with the duties imposed on us in the present situation, with fairness and nobleness of mind to all the countries suffering from the disasters of war. For this reason we should all be closely united in a firm national solidarity, from the King down to the humblest citizen.