711.00111 Lic. Vimalert Co. Ltd./52/38
Memorandum by the Special Assistant to the Secretary of State and Chief of the Division of Western European Affairs (Dunn)
The Spanish Ambassador came in this morning …
The Ambassador expressed his regret at the attitude of the American Government in having taken the position that the shipment of airplanes and engines arranged by Mr. Cuse for forwarding to the Spanish Government was against the policy of this Government. He said that he considered our policy of non-intervention extremely unfortunate as he felt that the democratic countries should support the Spanish Government in its struggle against Fascism.
The Acting Secretary explained that our policy of non-intervention was based upon our desire and determination that this country not become involved in a situation in Europe which might lead to war, and that no doubt steps would be taken to grant legislative authority to this Government to prevent shipments of arms and implements of war to both sides in the Spanish struggle.
The Ambassador went on to describe the arrival in Seville during the past week of 6,000 fully equipped and armed Italians, and during that period of about 6,000 German nationals also fully equipped, and that these troops were now operating with the forces in Andalusia in their attack upon Cordoba. He further stated that a German airplane en route to Spain had crashed in France day before yesterday, [Page 624] and he stated that while the democratic governments were keeping their word in regard to non-intervention, the Fascist governments of Germany and Italy were breaking their word every day and continuing to pour forces and equipment into the insurgent movement.
The Ambassador also asked the advice of the Acting Secretary as to whether he should respond to an invitation he had received to make an address in New York at a meeting which has been organized by Mr. Thomas, who was the Socialist candidate in the recent election. He explained that it was his intention to make an address along entirely historical lines, with a view of setting forth the disadvantages and damaging results of dictatorships and totalitarian regimes. Judge Moore told the Ambassador that he could not object to his making an address of that kind, and that it would be entirely for the Ambassador himself to decide his action in that regard.