852.01/147: Telegram
The Ambassador in France (Bullitt) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received November 19—3:15 p.m.]
1131. It is the view of the Foreign Office that the recognition of Franco by the German and Italian Governments before the capture of Madrid is intended as an act of encouragement to the Nationalist forces. They feel moreover that while reports indicate that the Germans and Italians have no present intention of withdrawing from the London Non-intervention Committee nevertheless the “encouragement” which may be expected from those quarters will be something more than of a moral nature.
They are worried here regarding the announcement by the Burgos government of an intention to bombard Barcelona. It is likely that in an effort to avoid any risk of complicating the situation French naval vessels now at Barcelona will withdraw from that port.
There is no change in the French attitude as regards recognition and they continue to think along the lines described in our 1069, October 31, 1 p.m.
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