852.00/2594: Telegram
The Chargé in France (Wilson) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 14—1:40 p.m.]
756. The Council of Ministers met yesterday afternoon devoting the major part of the meeting to a consideration of the Spanish situation and to the reply to be made by the French Government to the Italian suggestions regarding the proposed non-intervention pact.
It is reliably reported that there was again considerable discussion in view of the reports received of continued assistance to the rebels [Page 483] from Germany and Italy between the extremist and more moderate members of the Cabinet regarding the wisdom of continuing the present French policy of not permitting the export of war materials or airplanes to the Government in Spain. It is understood, however, that the Cabinet decided in favor of continuing the present policy and of making all possible efforts to bring about as soon as possible a neutrality pact.
It is, however, obvious that if it appears that tactics seeking delay are being pursued by other countries the French Government will not go on indefinitely in its present policy. It seems to be more and more believed here that the reluctance of the German Government to reply to the French proposal is based upon a feeling that time is working in favor of the insurgents and that German interest in a neutrality pact will become apparent only at such time as the insurgents may seem to have gained the upper hand in Spain.
As for the French reply to the Italian suggestions it is believed that the French Government has pointed out that existing laws do not permit the Government to forbid private subscriptions and that not only has there been in France no organized recruiting of volunteers for either side in Spain but that any attempt at organized recruiting here will be prevented. However, it was pointed out that neither France nor any other Government can prevent individuals from enlisting on either side in Spain.
The French Parliament closed after a session lasting until 7 o’clock this morning. The wheat bill and several financial measures were passed although a number of bills which had been introduced by the Government were left to be acted upon in the extraordinary session of Parliament which will probably convene some time in October.