852.75 National Telephone Company/181
The Ambassador in Spain (Laughlin) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 9.]
Sir: With reference to previous communications on the subject of the CTNE,10 I have the honor to transmit herewith in copy and translation a communication11 addressed over the signature of Sr. Rico, the General Director of the Telephone Company, to the Spanish Prime Minister under date of February 21. It informs the Spanish Government that for the purpose of participating in the proposed joint committee for the revision of the Telephone contract the Honorable Frank L. Polk,12 Captain Logan N. Rock and Sr. Rico will compose the Company’s representation. But it does not stop at that; for you will also note that in paragraph two the Telephone Company makes very definite reservations with regard to the terms of reference under which the joint committee will function.
[Page 700]I wish to point out for your confidential information, and to record my opinion, that this communication was made without consulting with me, and that I am uneasy lest the very precise terms of the second paragraph open an opportunity to the Spanish side to begin a further discussion in an attempt to recover lost ground.
Respectfully yours,