852.00/2791: Telegram
The Chargé in France (Wilson) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 25—10:40 a.m.]
788. In conversation at the Foreign Office this morning, it was stated that the German action in placing a ban on the exportation of arms to [Page 512] Spain had been received with relief. It is now felt that the success of the French initiative for non-intervention in Spain is in fact assured and it is expected that Italy, Russia and Portugal will shortly take steps to make effective their acceptance of the proposal by establishing a ban on exports of arms and aircraft to Spain similar to the action taken by France, Great Britain and Germany. It was added that perhaps some further initiative might be undertaken in the sense of a public appeal by the Governments of all nations for abatement of the savage character of the warfare being carried on in Spain such as the execution of prisoners.
At the same time the official with whom I spoke at the Foreign Office said that the French Government’s relief over German action regarding Spain was tempered by news of the other decision announced by the German Government yesterday, namely, the increase in the term of compulsory military service. This move it was said will give Germany a stronger standing army than she had had before the war, an army considerably stronger than France’s and is bound to cast a shadow of apprehension over Europe. Comment was also made on the sudden manner of announcing the two decisions on the same day with the obvious hope that the first would draw some of the sting from the second.
Cipher text to London, Berlin, Rome.