File No. 763.72/11171
The Ambassador in Spain ( Willard) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 2, 9.40 a.m.]
1751. Yesterday afternoon ministerial conference took place. All members of Cabinet were present except Minister of Public Instruction. [Page 1720] Rumor indicates that there was a stormy session respecting torpedoing of Spanish vessels especially the Atxeri-Mendi of Bilbao which was reported in Madrid yesterday morning as having been sunk by German submarine. Report confirmed in this morning’s papers which state vessel was bound with coal from England to Spain and was sunk off Irish coast 27th instant. Upon adjournment of Council of Ministers communiqué was given to press making public: reported sinking of Atxeri-Mendi; determination of Government to secure definite facts and in the event of verification of report to put into effect resolution of Council of August 10, namely, to seize a German vessel for each Spanish vessel sunk; creation of a ministry of supplies with Ventosa, former Minister of Finance under Marquis of Alhucemas, at its head.
Minister of State in personal note of this date to me confirms information contained in communiqué.
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