File No. 763.72/3539
The Ambassador in Spain ( Willard ) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 19, 7.50 a.m.]
423. Department’s circular of March 16, 2 p.m. Spanish Government now acting under regulation promulgated about two years ago which permits merchant vessels carrying one cannon for defensive purposes to enter Spanish ports as merchant vessels. No distinction is made between neutral and belligerent vessels nor between merchant vessels armed by private owners or by Government authorities. Merchant vessels armed with more than one cannon have frequently entered Spanish ports within last two years and if armament is obviously for defensive purposes only Minister of State informs me the number of cannon is ignored. Minister further states that no modification of this regulation is now contemplated but that at any moment circumstances may demand a change of policy, in which event the Embassy will be promptly informed.