File No. 652.119/567
The Ambassador in Spain ( Willard ) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 24, 6.37 a.m.]
1088. Substance of Department’s 896, February 19, 9 p.m., communicated to Minister for Foreign Affairs by note; he replies as follows:
It seems clear from the declaration submitted that Spanish vessels which remain in American ports do so of their own free will but in view of the importance of the matter His Majesty’s Government considers it necessary in order to avoid all misunderstanding to learn the exact character and significance of Your Excellency’s communication. Therefore I would be greatly obliged if you would be so kind as to inform me whether in case any or all of the Spanish vessels actually in American ports desire to sail, except naturally, those desiring to take cargo for which export licenses have not been granted, they may leave freely with permission to take coal and provisions necessary for the voyage without the United States authorities imposing any conditions for the voyage or any obligations for the future. His Majesty’s Government has the greatest interest regarding these points since, in case the preceding inquiry receives an affirmative answer, all doubt will be removed as to the detention direct or indirect of Spanish ships in American ports.
As Department’s 896, to which reference is above made, is not clear on this point, Embassy requests definite instructions as to its reply to Minister of Foreign Affairs.