703.5200/6
The Spanish Ambassador (Riaño) to
the Secretary of State
Washington, June 15,
1922.
37–03
Mr. Secretary: I have the honor to forward to
Your Excellency, together with the usual office copy and with a request
that you kindly cause it to reach its high destination, the letter which
His Majesty the King, my August Sovereign, sends to the President of the
Republic of the United States in reply to that expressing the
gratefulness of the North American people and Government for the mission
assumed by Spain during the late war.
I avail myself [etc.]
[Page 916]
King Alfonso
XIII to President Harding
Great and Good Friend: We have been highly
gratified at receiving your letter by which you were pleased to
express to us the gratitude and regard of the people and Government
of the United States for the mission undertaken by Spain during the
course of the late war when it took charge of the protection of
North Americans in Germany and Austria-Hungary. In receiving with
sentiments of high consideration and esteem so great a testimonial
of gratitude, we take pleasure in expressing to Your Excellency the
satisfaction we derive from the praise addressed to the Spanish
officials for their zeal in performing the duties placed upon them
by the mission with which they were entrusted, the outcome no doubt
of the good friendship which Spain bears to the United States. We
pray God for your personal happiness and that of the North American
people and take great pleasure in reiterating to you the assurances
of our regard and the esteem with which we are
Great and Good Friend
Your Good Friend
Alfonso
Countersigned Joaquin Fernández
Prida
Minister of
State
At the Palace in Madrid,
May
16, 1922.