352.1153 St 2/7: Telegram
The Chargé in Spain (Blair) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5:20 p.m.]
142. Embassy’s 133, December 6th, 12 noon. On December 15th the petroleum monopoly seized a part of Malaga plant owned 45 percent by Standard Oil, New Jersey, and 43 [33?] percent French capitalists before valuation and without any previous notification to the company as given them in case of Valencia and Alicante seizures. No compensation or promises thereof was given at the time of the seizure. I have just seen a strong and energetic note of protest which the French Ambassador has sent to Primo asking for an immediate reply to his note of December 10th.38 French Ambassador again points out that methods of seizure contravene Spanish treaties, constitution and civil code. See Embassy’s 139 December 13, 1 P.M.39 American, British and French protests therein referred to so far unanswered.
[Paraphrase.] I believe that now would be an opportune time to present strong verbal protests to Primo de Rivera against the highhanded action of the oil monopoly in seizing foreign-owned property. Representations of this kind would be much strengthened should I receive authority to inform him that the Department is seriously concerned by the most recent seizure described above and urgently to request that immediate and full compensation be granted to the American interests whose property is affected. [End paraphrase.]