862.01/30: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Spain (Laughlin)
11. Embassy’s No. 25, 18th of April, noon, and No. 26, April 18, 6 p.m. I understand that, with the exception of Catalonia, the Provisional Government is by popular consent in complete control of Spain; that with regard to Catalonia there is an agreement upon the ultimate relationship.
- 1.
- Is this understanding of mine correct?
- 2.
- In your opinion, is public order now being maintained by the Provisional Government, and does the latter have the strength to preserve it?
- 3.
- Have the financial and other obligations of Spain been recognized by the Provisional Government?
- 4.
- If you recommend immediate recognition, on what day and upon what terms should it be extended?
We have no desire to be participants in a recognition race. After the other great powers have extended recognition, however, we have no desire to be conspicuous by our withholding it. In my opinion, the situation in Spain is primarily the concern of the several European Governments. Therefore, I feel that our motive for extending or withholding recognition would not necessarily correspond to theirs. We would be pleased to have your opinion of the situation.