Office of the Historian

852.00/3027: Telegram

The Ambassador in Spain (Bowers), Then in France, to the Secretary of State

Hendaye, September 7, 1936—4 p.m.
[Received September 7—2:45 p.m.]

96. British Ambassador just called with a telegram from London that Senator Brent Tap of Sweden, just arrived from Madrid, had been told by Caballero17 and Prieto18 that they had reason to believe rebels may bombard Madrid with gas and that threat had been made [Page 701] by tracts dropped from rebel plane. British Ambassador instructed to confer with colleagues on wisdom of joint warning to rebel authorities of grave consequences of such actions and serious repercussions on international situation. While Government has neither used nor threatened to use gas, Argentine Ambassador thinks protest should be sent both sides. Since there are many nationals of all nations in Madrid this could be done on the basis of protecting our people.

Please wire instructions.

Bowers
  1. Francisco Largo Caballero, Spanish Prime Minister and Minister of War.↩
  2. Indalecio Prieto, Spanish Minister of Marine and Air.↩