852.00/2780: Telegram
The Ambassador in Spain (Bowers), Then in France, to the Secretary of State
[Received August 25—9:32 a.m.]
76. My telegram of August 24, 11 a.m. The Diplomatic Corps, responding to the call, proposes, in advance to the plan to offer Government to mediate regarding civilian prisoners, to mediate in an effort to stop the shelling of open cities where civilians are victims. While this is the only proper method of procedure the decision is put up to the Government alone in the first instance and regardless of the attitude of the rebels should Government decline, it puts it in the position of refusing a measure of humanity leaving the advantage in public opinion with the rebels who will not then be asked. I merely call attention to this phase in connection with my request [for?] instructions.