File No. 652.119/1575

The Ambassador in Spain ( Willard ) to the Secretary of State

[Telegram]

1776. Department’s 1504, September 3, 2 p.m. Embassy ventures to suggest instructions to the effect that Embassy may in its discretion [Page 1722] informally and personally notify Minister of Foreign Affairs of the possibility that the increasing demands of our cobelligerents upon the resources and productions of the United States may prevent War Trade Board from continuing to except Spanish shipping from the application of its regulation No. 1 concerning bunkerage.1 However, in the event that Department issues these instructions, it is considered important that War Trade Board should not actually put this regulation into effect nor in any other respect change its present liberal policy towards Spain without first communicating fully with Embassy. If Spanish Ambassador at Washington brings up matter, it is respectfully suggested that he be informed only that the possibility of this exception of application War Trade Board is brought to the attention of Spanish Government in order that no [severe] hardships should result to Spanish shipping in American ports in the event of necessary withdrawal of said exception. Embassy ventures suggest that it be permitted also to say personally to Minister of Foreign Affairs that should Spain in defense of her rights, repeatedly disregarded by Germany, or for other reason feel justified in taking a position more definitely favorable towards the Allies, that the United States would endeavor to continue to except Spain from the application of War Trade Board regulation No. 1.

Willard
  1. Ante, p. 946.