852.01/143: Telegram
The Ambassador in Italy (Phillips) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received November 18—2:23 p.m.]
471. The following official communiqué has just been issued:
“Following the taking possession of the greater part of Spain by the government of General Franco and the development of the situation which has demonstrated even more clearly that in the remaining sections of Spain one can no longer speak of the exercise of a responsible governing power, the Fascist Government has decided to recognize the government of General Franco and to send to this government a Chargé d’Affaires for the opening of diplomatic relations. The Chargé will proceed immediately. The present diplomatic representative has been recalled.”
Count Ciano has just advised me that at 6 p.m. this evening the Italian Government has given formal recognition to the Burgos government. He told me that similar recognition has been given by the German Government.