852.00/2488: Telegram
The Ambassador in Spain (Bowers), Then in France, to the Secretary of State
[Received 5 p.m.]
55. Department’s circular telegram August 7, 5 p.m. Our diplomatic representatives in Spain have acted in conformity with the spirit [Page 472] of the circular. Regret that too many Americans here have been expressing open partiality for the rebels. In this connection Prieto38 in a much advertised special article in his Bilbao paper comments sarcastically on the much proclaimed “neutrality” of European nations. He says there is a legitimate legal Government in Spain, overwhelmingly voted in 4 months ago, which certainly has not been overthrown and that a declaration of neutrality as between this legal Government and military rebels is an indirect slap at the legitimate Government and an indirect pat for the rebels. The article is not bitter, but mildly sarcastic and carries threat the neutrality proposals in Europe grow out of the dangers of a European war if Germany and Italy openly support the rebels and France supports the Government. Since we are not here involved you may wish to consider the wisdom of refraining publicly from the use of the word “neutrality” at this juncture of events and confining ourselves to the protection of the lives of Americans.
- Indalecio Prieto, a leader of the Spanish Left, appointed Minister of Marine and Air, September 1936.↩