File No. 763.72119/240
The Chargé in Spain (Wilson) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 23, 11.20 p. m.]
302. Minister of Fomento [Foreign Affairs?] has just sent for me and inquired whether message from President sent me by Ambassador Willard in Department’s telegram 197,1 December 20, 7 p. m., and transmitted to Minister for Foreign Affairs as reported in my telegram No. 301,2 December 22, 2 p. m., was intended for Spanish Government alone or has been sent to other neutral powers. I answered that I was unable to give definite answer. Minister for Foreign Affairs asked me to make urgent and immediate inquiry as reply would affect Spain’s attitude.
My personal opinion after two conferences to-day with Minister for Foreign Affairs is that Spain hopes to play joint and equal rôle with United States in urging peace, as the two most important neutral powers, and especially she does not desire to be treated as merely one among other neutrals. The President’s proposals have created considerable excitement and interest in Spanish press, but as yet no opinion expressed as to likelihood of success. The embassies of the Allies show open annoyance at proposal of the President. News of note apparently first made public and given to press in somewhat garbled form by German Embassy. Have therefore at the request of the Minister for Foreign Affairs authorized him to give text to the press.