352.0022/9: Telegram
The Ambassador in Argentina (Weddell) to the Secretary of State
[Received 7:12 p.m.]
229. Department’s 139, October 19, 6 p.m.70 I today informed the Minister for Foreign Affairs of our Government’s attitude as set forth therein.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs told me that replies accepting in principle coordinated action by Latin American countries to maintain a common front as regards right of asylum had been received from all these countries. He added that a meeting of the Latin American diplomatic representatives would be held this afternoon to determine the form of action to be taken which he anticipated would be in the shape of telegrams from all Latin American capitals.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs interprets the visit of President Azaña to Barcelona as a flight. He further considers that the Spanish Government is practically powerless and can give no adequate guarantees and feels strongly that if persons now receiving asylum are expelled, mass executions will follow.
The Minister also stated that messages from his diplomatic representative in Madrid are being delayed in transmission.