File No. 763.72112/10338
The Ambassador in France ( Sharp ) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 1, 10.12 p.m.]
5235. War Trade Board [from McFadden]:
No. [457]. We are informed by British and French delegates on the Paris blacklisting committee that their Governments have received notes from the Spanish Government objecting to—
- (1)
- The principle of the black list for Spain;
- (2)
- The method of operation, which they claim is unjust and works hardship on firms which do not deserve being listed.
We have been requested to inquire if a similar note has been received by the United States Government, and if so what answer has been made thereto. We understand that the British and French have [Page 1065] answered separately and independently. The sense of the British answer is that—
- (1)
- They can not admit the contention of the Spanish Government against the principle of the maintenance of the list;
- (2)
- They can not withdraw the list for Spain without doing an injustice to the other neutral countries for which there are lists;
- (3)
- They will be glad to consider any special cases which the Spanish Government may care to submit in which it is considered an injustice has been done; and
- (4)
- They can not give a more definite ‘answer to the Spanish note without consulting the other Associated Governments.
Are we authorized to prepare a joint answer to be delivered to the Spanish Government after approval by the various [Associated] Governments? Do you desire to participate in any joint answer which may be sent by the British and French even though no note has been delivered to you by the Spanish Government? If so, please instruct in what sense you desire to answer. We will advise you more definitely as to French position in the course of a few days. McFadden.