611.523/743: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Spain (Laughlin)
Washington, October 21, 1932—1
p.m.
96. Your telegram 81, October 15, 2 p.m. We are pleased to authorize the suggested discussion between Wiley and Doussinague, provided you feel that such an interview might be productive. In this case, I think the following points should be borne in mind:
- (1)
- We have been both patient and considerate with the Spanish “trade complaints”, a number that Spain now characterizes as “minor” having been adjusted, and others (such as against the application of sanitary restrictions regarding mineral waters, canned sweet peppers and canned fish) clearly having been proved groundless as a result of the discussions last March.
- (2)
- Our position respecting certain others (such as grapes, and height of the tariff) has been explained at length and in detail. There is no immediate prospect of modifying our attitude toward Spanish grapes beyond the limits described in our note dated June 17 to Ambassador Cárdenas,32 and Spain is fully informed on procedure in connection with the flexible provisions of our tariff.
- (3)
- Therefore, even assuming that we were in a position to bargain, the present elements of the situation do not appear susceptible of adaptation to that purpose.
- (4)
- On the other hand, Spain has consistently discriminated against us to the serious injury of our commerce for nearly a year, [Page 559] and has refused to abide by her own commitment of April 5, confirmed and accepted by us through Crosby’s note of April 23.
- (5)
- The situation here does not permit of further extended negotiation and in fact has reached a point where prompt decision as to our course of action must be made. We urge, therefore, that you endeavor to secure unequivocal statement as to whether Spanish Government proposes to carry through commitment of April 5. Please report by telegram as soon as possible.
Stimson