703.5200/orig.

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

Sir: As a result of conditions over which this Government has no control—conditions which make it impossible at this time for the United States to appoint either diplomatic or consular officers in Germany, Austria, and Hungary—the work of the Spanish authorities in those countries in protecting the interests of the United States has been both extended in time and intensified in nature. You will therefore express to the Government to which you are accredited the deep appreciation of this Government for the work so cheerfully and efficiently accomplished by the Spanish authorities, requesting the Spanish Government to extend to its diplomatic and consular officers in Germany, Austria, and Hungary, the sincere thanks of the Government of the United States.1

I am [etc.]

Bainbridge Colby
  1. Copies of this instruction sent the Commissioners at Berlin, Budapest, and Vienna, June 2, 1920.