File No. 763.72112/2404
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Great Britain ( Page )
3405. Referring to your despatch 33171 which stated that British Government had withdrawn its proposal and list of hospital supplies which would be permitted to be shipped into belligerent countries, Department has learned from the Spanish Ambassador here that the German note, dated October 15, 1915, which appeared to accept the British Government’s proposal and which was sent by Spanish Ambassador, Berlin, through his Government to Spanish Ambassador, London, was not presented to British Foreign Office because of an understanding between you and the Spanish Ambassador not to present same. You are also referred to Department’s unnumbered instruction December 9 last.2 Please inform Department fully concerning this, giving the reasons for such an understanding if any exists.