File No. 763.72119/288

The Chargé in Spain (Wilson) to the Secretary of State

[Telegram]

308. The Minister for Foreign Affairs has just handed me the following note, which he described as ambiguous, in reply to the President’s peace proposals:

[Translation]

The Government of His Majesty has received through the Embassy under your worthy charge a copy of a note which the President of the United States has sent to the belligerent powers expressing the desire “that an early occasion be sought to call out from all the nations now at war a declaration of their respective views as to the terms upon which the war might be terminated.” [Page 123] Accompanying this note was another note from you, dated December 22, 1916, in which the Embassy, in accordance with later instructions from its Government, stated in the name of the President that the moment appeared opportune for the cooperation of the Government of His Majesty and that it should support, if it seemed proper, the attitude adopted by the United States Government.

In view of the praiseworthy desire which the American Government manifests of being seconded in its proposal in favor of peace, the Government of His Majesty believes that, on account of the initiative taken by the President of the United States, and as the diverse impressions which it has produced are already known, the action which Spain is now invited to take by the United States would not be effective, and so much the more because the Central powers have already expressed their firm intention to discuss conditions of peace with the belligerent powers only.

The Government of His Majesty, appreciating that the noble desire of the President of the United States will always deserve the gratitude of all nations, has resolved not to hinder any negotiation or agreement whatsoever undertaken for the purpose of encouraging the humanitarian work which might end the present war, but will suspend its action, reserving it for such time as those forces which desire peace may be more useful and effective than now, if there should then be reasons for believing its initiative or intervention opportune.

Until this time arrives the Government of His Majesty believes it proper to declare that in everything having reference to an understanding between the neutral powers for the defense of their material interests injured by the war, it is disposed now, as it has been since the beginning of the present strife, to enter into negotiations looking towards an understanding capable of uniting all the non-belligerent powers which may consider themselves injured and in need of remedying or lessening their losses.

I avail myself [etc.]

Amalio Gimeno

The French Embassy knew the terms of the above note 24 hours before I received it, and I believe its substance was dictated by Allied embassies. French Embassy tells me confidentially that Norway, Denmark, and Argentina are only awaiting Spanish reply to make similar answer.

Wilson