852.00/2715: Telegram
The Ambassador in Germany (Dodd) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 20—3:40 p.m.]
259. The following communiqué has just been issued by Foreign Office with regard to the search of the German steamer Kamerun respecting which I understand the American press has carried full description.
(Translation) “Promptly after the receipt of the news concerning the incident having to do with the steamer Kamerun created by the Spanish Government, the German Government gave telegraphic instructions to its Chargé d’Affaires in Madrid to lodge a protest without delay in the sharpest form against the action of the Spanish warships which was contrary to international law and thereby to express that the German Government will hold the Spanish Government responsible for all consequences which might arise from the repetition of similar incidents.
The German Chargé d’Affaires has at the same time, been instructed to inform the Spanish Government that the German warships have received orders to protect with all means the German ships against similar attacks contrary to international law outside the Spanish zone of sovereignty.”
The Vӧlkischer Beobachter and other morning papers give frontpage publicity to this “incident”. …
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
There is every evidence that the press censorship has given the press more leeway with regard to criticism of the French Government [Page 502] as partisan of the Spanish Government. While the main diatribe is directed against Moscow, France is beginning to come in for its share of opprobrium as a Soviet associate.
Copies to London, Paris, Rome.