852.00/3043: Telegram
The Consul at Seville (Bay) to the Secretary of State
[Received 6:30 p.m.]
Following is translation of the Spanish text dated Cáceres September 6, received this noon from General Franco:
“His Excellency, the General of the Second Division has transmitted to me your memorandum relating to the aerial bombardment of the destroyer Kane which took place the afternoon of August 30 last. In reply to the memorandum, I have the honor to inform you that as a result of investigations made we have no information that any plane belonging to the national forces has committed an act of aggression against any destroyer of another nation; but since definite aerial attacks have been carried out against the Red squadron the possibility of an error of such deplorable consequences cannot be excluded. At the same time the presence of Red aeroplanes in Malaga and the state of anarchy of the revolted forces of the navy makes it possible and even probable that the Marxist forces are responsible for the aggression referred to.
In regard to the responsibility that attaches to the aerial forces under my command, I hasten to make known to you, with the request that it be communicated to the American Government, the regret which this incident has caused me—an incident so repugnant to the standards and conduct of the national forces which respect and uphold lawful procedure. I avail myself et cetera.”