652.116 Auto/3: Telegram
The Ambassador in Spain (Bowers) to the Secretary of State
[Received February 21—2:45 p.m.]
14. Your 13 and 14. Saw Minister this morning and orally informed him that the purported plan for automobile quotas based on years when we were all but excluded by discriminatory tariff would wholly defeat our purpose in negotiations. Expressed fear in friendly manner that adoption of plan might end negotiations. He seemed amazed at the meager number of cars possible for us under the plan. Seemed considerably disturbed and promised to take up the friendly warning with appropriate persons at once. He frankly discussed troubles with France due to the amount France buys here and her threats on making more demands. Says 35 percent refund to France on automobiles is definitely out for the future also says no agreement yet been reached. Confidentially implied Spain would be in better position to resist French demands and threats had she some assurance that she could find markets to make up for the losses that might result.