List of Papers
(Unless otherwise specified, the correspondence is from or to officials in the Department of State.)
ALBANIA
Complaint by the Albanian Government Against a “March op Time” Newsreel and Expression op Regret by the United States
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1936 Oct. 29 (230) | From the Chargé in Albania Foreign Minister’s protest against alleged forgeries introduced into a film on Albania by a representative of “The March of Time”, and his inquiry regarding U. S. action against the offender; Chargé’s explanation that U. S. Government has no control over production and showing of films. |
1 |
| Nov. 23 (22) | To the Chargé in Albania (tel.) Authorization to present to the Foreign Minister a message (text printed) expressing regret at occurrence that might reflect upon the ties of friendship between the two countries. |
2 |
| Nov. 27 (36) | From the Chargé in Albania (tel.) Cordial reception of message by the Prime Minister. |
3 |
AUSTRIA
Preliminary Discussions Respecting a Trade Agreement Between the United States and Austria
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1936 Oct. 13 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Western
European Affairs Conversation with the Austrian Minister regarding action to improve Austria’s unfavorable trade balance with the United States; his favorable attitude toward U. S. trade agreements program and hope that Austria eventually will come into the system. |
4 |
| Dec. 17 (995) | From the Minister in Austria Résumé of conversations with Foreign Office officials, who expressed keen interest in the U. S. trade agreements program; impression that Austria would not initiate trade agreement conversations until her relationships with some of her neighbors are cleared up. |
5 |
| Dec. 29 (1001) | From the Minister in Austria Information regarding trade negotiations between Germany and Austria, and their probable effect on Austrian attitude toward trade negotiations with the United States. |
7 |
BELGIUM
Postponement of Negotiations Respecting a Supplementary Trade Agreement Between the United States and Belgium
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1936 Aug. 11 | To the Belgian Ambassador Receipt and consideration of the Belgian counterproposals to the draft of general provisions intended to complete the reciprocal trade agreement signed February 27, 1935, and reasons for suggesting that matter of supplementing the present provisions of the agreement by those of a more general character be held in abeyance. |
10 |
| Sept. 16 | Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of
State Transmittal of an informal memorandum by the Counselor of the Belgian Embassy, suggesting three subjects which he thought might be looked into without waiting for negotiation of the general provisions. |
11 |
| Oct. 14 | Memorandum by the Secretary of
State Outline of U. S. economic policy in a conversation with the Belgian Ambassador. |
11 |
Exchange of Views Between the United States and Belgium Respecting the Interpretation of the Naturalization Convention of November 16, 1868
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1936 Mar. 23 (1005) | From the Belgian Ambassador Inquiry as to whether United States views article I of the U. S.-Belgian Naturalization Convention of 1868 as applicable to minor children acquiring citizenship through the naturalization of their parents. |
12 |
| Apr. 17 | To the Belgian Ambassador U. S. view that article I was intended to include minor children acquiring citizenship through the naturalization of their parents. |
13 |
| July 29 (D. 2668 No. 2919) | From the Belgian Ambassador View of Belgian Government that the scope of article I is confined to the naturalized person himself, and in no way contemplates the nationality of his descendants. |
16 |
| Sept. 14 | To the Belgian Ambassador Further discussion and elaboration of the U. S. position. |
19 |
Arrangement Between the United States and Belgium for Relief From Double Income Tax on Shipping Profits, Effected by Exchange of Notes Signed January 28, 1936
| (Note: Citation to texts of notes exchanged.) | 23 |
CZECHOSLOVAKIA
Representations regarding alleged discrimination against American trade in Czechoslovakia
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1936 Jan. 24 (374) | From the Minister in Czechoslovakia Résumé of a conversation with the Czechoslovak Minister to the United States, temporarily in Prague, concerning Czechoslovak discrimination against American products. |
24 |
| 1936 Apr. 7 (113) | To the Minister in Czechoslovakia Note for Foreign Office (text printed) expressing dissatisfaction with operation of the modus vivendi of March 29, 1935. |
28 |
| Apr. 30 | Memorandum by the Assistant Chief of the Division of
Trade Agreements Conversation with the Czechoslovak Minister, who indicated Czechoslovak readiness to abolish discriminations against American merchandise in favor of non-Danubian countries, and who promised a complete list of Danubian preferences. |
32 |
| May 6 (437) | From the Minister in Czechoslovakia Advice that note transmitted in Department’s No. 113, April 7, was presented to the Foreign Office on April 27. Account of discussion with Foreign Office officials, April 29, and submission of an aide-mémoire relative to specific items of discrimination. |
33 |
| May 19 (11) | From the Minister in Czechoslovakia (tel.) Czechoslovak reply to the Minister’s aide-mémoire submitted on April 29 regarding specific items of discrimination. |
35 |
| May 19 (441) | From the Minister in Czechoslovakia Account of further developments, and transmittal of documents in connection with the discussion of the modus vivendi governing U. S.-Czechoslovak trade relations. |
37 |
| May 29 (15) | From the Minister in Czechoslovakia (tel.) Conclusion of conversations with Czech officials, and list of further accomplishments. |
40 |
| June 4 | Memorandum by the Assistant Chief of the Division of
Trade Agreements Discussion of Department officials with Czechoslovak Minister and First Secretary of Legation with regard to Danubian preferences and the removal of Czechoslovak preferences to non-Danubian countries. |
40 |
| July 2 | Memorandum by the Assistant Chief of the Division of
Trade Agreements Further conversation with Czechoslovak Minister and First Secretary relative to U. S. commercial relations with Czechoslovakia. |
41 |
| July 11 | From the Czechoslovak Minister Reply to U. S. aide-ménoire of November 27, 1935, indicating Czechoslovak willingness to meet all objections raised against the application of the modus vivendi of March 29, 1935, and to settle through diplomatic channels all cases brought to its attention. |
43 |
| July 14 | Memorandum by the Acting Chief of the Division of
Trade Agreements Analysis of Czechoslovak note of July 11; opinion that the present discussions have provided a basis for representations regarding Czechoslovak discrimination against U. S. trade and have left the door open for conclusion of a more satisfactory trade agreement. |
44 |
| 1936 Oct. 8 | Memorandum by the Economic Adviser Receipt of a note (infra) from the Czechoslovak Chargé indicating his Government’s intention to relax trade barriers and exchange controls; explanation to Chargé that the whole question of trade discriminations is under reexamination to determine whether most-favored-nation treatment could be continued under present conditions. |
45 |
| Oct. 8 | From the Czechoslovak Chargé Information that the Czechoslovak Government is examining a constructive plan, especially concerning the system of exchange control, in support of the interests designed to promote free flow of international trade. (Footnote: Government’s intention to submit to Parliament a bill to reduce the gold content of its money.) |
46 |
| Nov. 2 | To the Czechoslovak Chargé Reaffirmation of importance attached by the United States to removal of restrictive trade barriers. |
46 |
| Nov. 5 | Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of
State Résumé of a conversation with Czechoslovak Legation officials concerning possible U. S. denunciation of the modus vivendi unless equality of treatment were given to American trade. |
47 |
| Nov. 10 (156) | To the Minister in Czechoslovakia Note for the Foreign Office (text printed) making representations against constant disabilities being put in the way of American trade in Czechoslovakia, and indicating that, unless these disabilities are corrected, the agreement will be abrogated by the United States. |
48 |
| Nov. 17 | From the Czechoslovak Chargé Indication that the Czechoslovak Government, upon enactment of its currency devaluation, had outlined plans for the relaxation of foreign trade control, and its belief that obstacles to American commerce no longer exist. Czech desire to know, however, of specific instances considered contrary to provisions of the modus vivendi. |
52 |
| Nov. 25 (597) | From the Minister in Czechoslovakia Résumé of conversation with the Foreign Minister upon delivery of the note embodied in Department’s No. 156, November 10. |
53 |
| Undated | To the Czechoslovak Chargé Reply to note of November 17, indicating that any discussion of the questions already broached with the Czechoslovak Foreign Minister will be carried on in Prague; transmittal of copy of the note which was presented to the Czech Foreign Minister at Prague on November 25. |
57 |
| Dec. 4 (605) | From the Minister in Czechoslovakia Account of a discussion with an official of the Foreign Office; belief that confirmation of unconditional acceptance of the principles of the modus vivendi will be obtained shortly. |
58 |
| 1936 Dec. 24 (62) | From the Minister in Czechoslovakia (tel.) Receipt of written statement of the National Bank indicating allotment of exchange for all American goods in accordance with provisions of the agreement of March 29, 1935; advice that early written confirmation of other satisfactorily resolved points has been promised. |
64 |
ESTONIA
Desire of the Estonian Government for Modification of the Commercial Treaty of 1925; Preliminary Discussions Regarding a Trade Agreement
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1936 Apr. 11 (3) | To the Chargé in Estonia (tel.) Advice that amendment of the commercial treaty of 1925 with Estonia cannot be concluded before May 22; instructions to suggest that Estonia withdraw before May 21 its notice of intention to modify the treaty, and give a new notice of intention on May 22, thus extending the present treaty for one year. |
66 |
| Apr. 22 (4) | From the Chargé in Estonia (tel.) Foreign Office note indicating Estonian withdrawal of notice of intention, and confirming the desire to modify the existing treaty on May 22, 1937, at the latest. |
67 |
| Apr. 22 | Memorandum by the Chargé in Estonia of a
Conversation With the Director of the Foreign Trade Department of
the Estonian Foreign Office Hope of Wirgo, Director of the Foreign Trade Department, that conclusion of a modified treaty would prove a means to equalize U. S.–Estonian trade balance. |
67 |
| May 21 (4) | To the Chargé in Estonia (tel.) Instructions to inform Foreign Office that the U. S. Government accepts Estonian note of April 22 as withdrawal of notice of May 21, 1935, to terminate the treaty of 1925, thus prolonging the treaty for one year. |
68 |
| Sept. 17 (3 Diplo.) | From the Minister in Estonia Wirgo’s inquiry concerning U. S. attitude toward a reciprocal trade agreement which would remedy Estonia’s unfavorable trade balance with the United States, with special reference to customs duty reductions for certain Estonian commodities. |
69 |
| Nov. 4 (24 Diplo.) | From the Chargé in Estonia Favorable attitude of the Minister for Economic Affairs toward the development of commodity exchanges between the United States and Estonia; impression that no attempt would be made to place a serious check upon admission of American staple products into Estonia. |
72 |
| 1936 Jan. 17 | Memorandum by Mr. Landreth M. Harrison of the
Division of Eastern European Affairs Transmittal to Finnish Minister of U. S. reply to Finnish counterproposals for the general provisions to be included in the proposed American-Finnish trade agreement. |
73 |
| Feb. 24 | Memorandum by Mr. Landreth M. Harrison of the
Division of Eastern European Affairs Finnish reply to U. S. counterproposals indicating desire for minor changes, and requesting elimination of the termination provisions. (Footnote: Information relative to termination provisions, and text of the article under particular discussion.) |
73 |
| Mar. 20 | To President Roosevelt Advice that negotiations for a satisfactory trade agreement with Finland are practically completed, and request for approval of certain minor concessions. (Footnote: Information that these concessions were made in the agreement.) |
74 |
| Mar. 23 | Memorandum by Mr. Landreth M. Harrison of the
Division of Eastern European Affairs Conversation between Department officials and Finnish representatives, during which the Finnish reply to certain U. S. proposals was presented, and reasons were discussed for Finnish unwillingness to accept the optional termination provisions. |
75 |
| Mar. 24 | Memorandum by Mr. Landreth M. Harrison of the
Division of Eastern European Affairs Notification to the Finnish Legation that the United States cannot accept the Finnish proposal to omit all optional termination provisions, because such provisions are required for legal or general policy reasons. |
76 |
| Mar. 30 | Memorandum by the Secretary of
State Conversation with the Finnish Minister, who said that he would urge his Government’s agreement on the remaining trade agreement provisions. |
77 |
| Apr. 1 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Eastern
European Affairs Conversation with Finnish Legation members during which a telegram from the Finnish Foreign Office was read, indicating acceptance of the termination provisions except for article 14 (article 16 in the revised draft of March 24). |
77 |
| Apr. 4 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Eastern
European Affairs Further conversation relative to the omission of article 16, and reasons for Department’s disinclination to omit that article. |
78 |
| Apr. 8 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Eastern
European Affairs Finnish insistence on omission of article 16 from the trade agreement under negotiation. |
79 |
| Apr. 10 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Eastern
European Affairs Decision of the U. S. Government to omit the disputed article. |
79 |
| 1936 May 4 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Eastern
European Affairs Reply to a Finnish proposal to put the trade agreement into force provisionally, prior to its approval by the Finnish Diet, indicating U. S. preference for prior approval by the Diet. |
80 |
| (Note: Citation to text of trade agreement signed May 18, and related documents.) | 80 |
Representations by the Finnish Government in Support of Claims Against the United States Arising From the Detention of Finnish Ships in American Harbors
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1936 Mar. 26 | From the Finnish Minister Representations with regard to shipping claims of Finnish nationals against the U. S. Government, and request that Finnish shipowners be permitted to be heard before a disinterested court. |
81 |
| Mar. 30 | Memorandum by the Secretary of
State Conversation with the Finnish Minister with a view to deciding on a judicial tribunal before which the Finnish claims might be heard. |
81 |
| Apr. 6 | Memorandum by the Legal Adviser to Mr. Jacob Metzger
of the Office of the Legal Adviser Advice that it has been decided to submit Finnish shipping claims to the Court of Claims with right of appeal to the Supreme Court, and to ask Congress for authorization; request that Metzger draft a bill and recommendations to Congress. |
82 |
| June 4 | To President Roosevelt Transmittal of a draft bill which, if enacted into law, would enable Finnish owners to present their claims to the Court of Claims; recommendation that bill be submitted to Congress for enactment of legislation. |
82 |
| (Note: Information on court decisions.) | 84 |
FRANCE
Reciprocal Trade Agreement Between the United States and France, Signed May 6, 1936; Disinclination op the United States To Discuss Additional Trade Concessions
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1936 Jan. 21 | Memorandum by the Secretary of State Résumé of a conversation with French Ambassador Laboulaye regarding difficulties in the pending trade agreement negotiations; U. S. intention to prepare new suggestions in an effort to find a formula to accommodate the very restricted French proposals. |
85 |
| Jan. 30 | Memorandum by the Secretary of
State Presentation to Laboulaye of a memorandum (infra) and the new proposals, with remarks on the necessity of restoring multilateral trade. |
86 |
| 1936 Jan. 30 | To the French Embassy Aide-mémoire reviewing the negotiations, with an annotated statement of mutual concessions and assurances which should be embodied in the proposed agreement. |
87 |
| Mar. 31 (108) | To the Ambassador in France (tel.) Summary of a conversation with Laboulaye, during which he was told that the United States could not accept a one-Fided agreement, as the entire trade agreements program would be discredited if any one of the agreements should be taken off the basis of equality. |
90 |
| Apr. 2 | Memorandum by the Counselor of Embassy in
France Conversation with the Minister of Commerce, who expressed faith in the liberal trade policy as pursued by the United States, but feared that it would be a Jong pull before much of a tangible nature could be accomplished in the major countries of the world. |
91 |
| Apr. 30 | Memorandum by the Under Secretary of
State Advice from the French Ambassador that his Government had accepted substantially all of the concessions requested by the United States; discussion regarding time of signing and publicity. |
92 |
| (Note: Citation to text of trade agreement signed May 6, and related documents.) | 93 | |
| Oct. 27 | Memorandum by the Assistant Chief of the Division of
Western European Affairs Meeting of officials from State, Commerce, and Agriculture Departments and the Tariff Commission, with view to analyzing the effect of French devaluation on Franco-American commerce. |
93 |
| Oct. 30 (1067) | From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Interest of certain French officials in an agreement with Great Britain and the United States to reduce trade restrictions; their invitation to Herbert Feis, Economic Adviser, to come to Paris and London on a visit. |
94 |
| Nov. 3 (443) | To the Ambassador in France (tel.) Expression of interest in French proposal toward reduction of restrictions to international trade, and request for more information prior to consideration of sending officials. |
95 |
| Nov. 4 (444) | To the Ambassador in France (tel.) Instructions to informally assure French officials of U. S. interest in the adoption of measures for lowering trade barriers; belief that at present no specific requests should be made. |
96 |
| Dec. 3 (63) | From the Acting Secretary of State to the Secretary
of State (tel.) Information from Ambassador in France that reductions in trade barriers contemplated by the French are limited to minor quota liberalizations, and that Ministries seem to be awaiting U. S. specific requests; instructions sent to the Ambassador indicating reasons for not seeking particular benefits. (Footnote: Information that the Secretary was in Buenos Aires at the Inter-American Conference for the Maintenance of Peace.) |
97 |
| 1936 Dec. 10 (1228) | From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Advice of conversation with the Foreign Office and subsequent receipt of an aide-mémoire making it apparent that no steps on general lines are contemplated, but only specific concessions on a quid pro quo basis. |
97 |
| Dec. 30 (557) | To the Ambassador in France (tel.) Disinclination to take up a proposal made by the French Ambassador regarding an arrangement outside the trade agreement to be consummated by an exchange of notes, under which France would extend to the United States certain supplementary quotas in exchange for certain tariff reductions. |
98 |
Discussions Concerning Tax Difficulties Between the United States and France With Especial Reference to French Proposal for an Addendum to the Double Taxation Convention of April 27, 1932
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1935 Dec. 3 (2339) | From the Ambassador in France Information that certain members of the New York Stock Exchange are contesting a suit by the French fiscal authorities to enforce collection of a French stock exchange transfer tax upon purchases and sales of securities, dealt in on the New York Stock Exchange, for the account of persons resident in France. |
99 |
| Dec. 21 (502) | To the Ambassador in France (tel.) Instructions to leave a memorandum at the Foreign Office (substance printed) making representations in the tax matter. |
100 |
| 1936 Jan. 9 (2440) | From the Ambassador in France Information on consultation with attorneys for the American brokerage houses in France, and on representations made to the Foreign Office, in a note dated January 7, on basis outlined by the Department. |
101 |
| Mar. 24 (2629) | From the Ambassador in France Reference to the French proposal for an addendum to the double taxation convention of 1932, with a detailed review of attempts made to deal with the problem, and reasons for suggesting sympathetic scrutiny of the proposal. |
102 |
| Apr. 1 (1257) | To the Ambassador in France Information from the Treasury Department that, in view of pending legislation on the issue of taxation of nonresident aliens, it is unable at this time to reach a decision on the addendum. |
104 |
| May 1 (1299) | To the Ambassador in France Acknowledgment of receipt of French regulations in connection with the application of the provisions of the double taxation convention, and information that copies were sent to numerous firms and individuals; quotation from the proposed 1936 Revenue Bill and from a pertinent report of the House Ways and Means Committee. |
104 |
| 1936 May 8 (141) | To the Ambassador in France (tel.) Instructions to seek French Government agreement to a 3-month extension of the time allowed for filing of declarations by American corporations, to permit time for study of the French regulations. |
106 |
| May 11 (392) | From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Foreign Office willingness to take up the matter of extension with the Ministry of Finance if request is presented in writing; advice that note is being submitted. |
107 |
| May 14 (2758) | From the Ambassador in France Foreign Office reply (text printed) to Embassy’s note of January 7 regarding the application of the French stock exchange transfer tax; view of attorney for American firms in France that, although U. S. representations have not been acceded to, the way is left open for negotiations. |
107 |
| May 29 (2797) | From the Ambassador in France French publication of a decree concerning application of article IX of the double taxation convention, exempting Americans from payment of certain taxes. |
111 |
| June 4 (456) | From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Advice from Foreign Office that it is impossible, owing to legal reasons, to extend the period for filing double tax convention declarations. |
112 |
| Sept. 4 (3049) | From the Chargé in France Account of representations relative to application of the terms of the convention with respect to the general income tax, and of French indication regarding concessions on a reciprocal basis. Foreign Office inquiry as to Department’s position on suggested French addendum. |
112 |
| Oct. 13 (1504) | To the Chargé in France Note for Foreign Office (substance printed) in behalf of the Guarantee Trust Company of New York, protesting against the present basis of the application of the “patente” tax to the company’s business in France; observations on problems connected with the convention. |
115 |
| Oct. 13 | To the Ambassador in France Permission to informally support the postponement of a certain tax case as desired by the attorney for American brokers in France. |
119 |
| Nov. 10 (96) | From the Ambassador in France Memorandum (text printed) by Messrs. King and de Wolf of the U. S. Treasury and State Departments, respectively, concerning informal conversations with French officials relative to specialized phases of the tax difficulties outstanding between the two Governments. |
120 |
| Nov. 12 (105) | From the Ambassador in France Information that it was thought advisable not to make representations to the Foreign Office on the Guarantee Trust Company matter, pending discussions which King and de Wolf plan to have in Washington on question of whether United States desires to open negotiations on the proposed addendum to the double taxation convention. |
124 |
| 1936 May 20 | From the French Chargé Representations against an amendment to the liquor tax bill passed by the Senate permitting the use by American wine producers of certain French wine names; opinion that final adoption of this amendment would seriously compromise the good results expected from the trade agreement recently signed. |
125 |
| June 13 | Memorandum by the Assistant Chief of the Division of
Western European Affairs Conversation between the Chief of the Division of Western European Affairs and the French Chargé, who was apprised of the Secretary’s efforts in behalf of the French position. |
126 |
| June 17 | To the French Chargé Advice that French concern over the amendment to the liquor tax bill has been brought to the attention of the appropriate committees in Congress. |
127 |
| June 29 (203) | To the Ambassador in France (tel.) Instructions to inform the Foreign Minister of the Department’s efforts toward finding a satisfactory solution to the liquor tax law matter. (Footnote: Approval of the liquor tax law on June 26.) |
127 |
| June 30 (563) | From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Foreign Office concern as to the effect the enforcement of the liquor tax law would have on ratification of the trade agreement by Parliament. |
127 |
Agreement Between the United States and France for the Suppression of Customs Frauds, Effected by Exchange of Notes, December 10 and 12, 1936
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1936 Mar. 9 (2595) | From the Ambassador in France Foreign Office note (text printed) enclosing a draft convention, proposing the conclusion of an agreement for cooperation between the customs services of France and the United States, whereby customs frauds might be detected. |
128 |
| Oct. 10 (1500) | To the Chargé in France Approval of draft convention in substance, and instructions to transmit U. S. counterdraft, incorporating certain changes, to the Foreign Office. |
130 |
| Dec. 3 (1188) | From the Ambassador in France (tel.) French inquiry relative to the removal of restrictions against public use of certain information furnished by the U. S. Customs Bureau; recommendation that restrictions be lifted at once. |
131 |
| Dec. 4 (500) | To the Ambassador in France (tel.) Willingness of the Commerce Department to release customs information immediately after agreement is in force. |
131 |
| (Note: Citation to texts of notes, signed December 10 and 12.) | 131 | |
| 1936 Dec. 14 (1251) | From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Notification that exchange of notes has taken place, effective December 15; request for authorization to inform the French Government that it may use U. S. customs information in the courts as of that date. (Footnote: Granting of authorization.) |
132 |
Status Under French Law of American Citizens of French Origin, Particularly With Respect to Liability to Military Service in France
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1935 Oct. 31 (1102) | To the Ambassador in France Instructions to obtain clarification of French policy regarding safe conducts for American citizens of French origin wishing to visit France without encountering difficulties with military authorities. |
132 |
| 1936 Dec. 2 (166) | From the Ambassador in France Substance of Foreign Office communications in reply to Department’s No. 1102 of October 31, 1935. |
134 |
| Dec. 30 (243) | From the Ambassador in France Further information from the Foreign Office, with special reference to the Decree Law of October 30, 1935, and the Nationality Law of August 10, 1927. |
137 |
GERMANY
Political Developments in Germany Under the National Socialist Regime; the Four-Year Economic Plan
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1936 Mar. 8 (63) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Hitler’s dissolution of the Reichstag as of March 28, with elections set for Sunday, March 29, allegedly to obtain people’s approval of 3-year policy |
140 |
| Mar. 30 (99) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Information that Hitler received 98.79 percent of the vote, and comment on the elections; opinion that returns would strengthen Hitler’s next international move. (Footnote: Germany’s offer on March 31 of a 19-point peace plan.) |
140 |
| Apr. 14 (2762) | From the Ambassador in Germany Further report on the election results, and on the composition of the new Reichstag. |
142 |
| July 14 (2940) | From the Chargé in Germany Report on the general political situation in Germany prior to the Olympic Games. |
142 |
| Undated [Rec’d July 23] | Extract From Political Report of the Chargé in
Germany Information concerning amendments to the German Penal Code, and other important new legislation. |
146 |
| 1936 Sept. 11 (278) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Information on speeches made by Propaganda Minister Goebbels and Alfred Rosenberg, editor of Völkischer Beobachter, at the Nuremberg party rally. |
148 |
| Sept. 18 (3047) | From the Ambassador in Germany Analysis of German public opinion and attitude toward a possible armed conflict, with conclusion that an overwhelming majority of the German people would support any venture Hitler might undertake. |
149 |
| Sept. 24 (3062) | From the Ambassador in Germany Report on certain aspects of the Seventh Congress of the National Socialist Party, held in Nuremberg September 7–14. |
152 |
| Sept. 24 (3063) | From the Ambassador in Germany Comments on Hitler’s proclamation of a Four-Year Plan of economic self-sufficiency for Germany, made at the Nuremberg Party Congress on September 9. |
154 |
| Oct. 20 (308) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Hitler’s issuance of a decree placing execution of the Four-Year Plan in the hands of Hermann Göring; report on speculation as to the future position of Hjalmar Schacht, Minister for Economic Affairs. |
155 |
| Oct. 29 (3120) | From the Ambassador in Germany Transmittal of a press communiqué setting forth the broad outlines of the Four-Year Plan as established in a decree issued on October 23 by Göring in his new capacity of Commissioner for the Four-Year Plan. |
156 |
| Oct. 29 (318) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Resumé of a speech by Göring before high officials of the regime, including Schacht, opening the campaign to push through the Four-Year Plan. |
158 |
| Dec. 24 (3203) | From the Ambassador in Germany Comments on the military aspects of the Four-Year Plan and on a speech by Göring, in which he declared the Government’s determination to proceed to the fullest limit with the rearmament program. |
159 |
Relations of the Nazi Regime With the Evangelical and Roman Catholic Churches
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1936 Jan. 23 (2622) | From the Ambassador in Germany Account of developments in the relationship between the Government and the churches, with evidence that the recent conciliatory attitude of the State has produced a split in the ranks of the Evangelical opposition. |
160 |
| Jan. 30 (30) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Denunciation of Nazi paganism by the Catholic Church, and its attempt to guard itself against further State aggression. Hope of Protestant militant opposition to reorganize central Confessional administration on a more combative basis. |
162 |
| 1936 Feb. 15 (2674) | From the Ambassador in Germany Developments affecting the situation of German churches, with indication that the Protestant Church question may soon be settled, and that Nazi attention is turned to the Catholics, who are attempting to deal with the problem through diplomatic channels. |
163 |
| Mar. 3 (2699) | From the Ambassador in Germany Report on the national Synod held in February, and victory of the militant wing of the Confessional Church which took steps to challenge further State control. Developments pertaining to the Catholic Church, where no clear lines of dispute between Church and State are drawn. |
165 |
| July 21 (2949) | From the Chargé in Germany Information concerning a memorandum, sent to Hitler by the Confessional group in May and now released to the foreign press, containing protests against the anti-Christian teachings and practices of the Nazi leaders; its possible consequences. |
168 |
| Aug. 27 (3007) | From the Ambassador in Germany Reading in churches of the Evangelical Confessional Front of a manifesto, a modified version of the memorandum sent to Hitler; opinion as to why reading was allowed; hope of Confessional group for Catholic support. |
171 |
| Sept. 2 (3015) | From the Ambassador in Germany Comments on the situation resulting from the reading in Catholic churches of a letter similar to the Confessional manifesto. Consideration of elements favoring and retarding Church-State settlement. |
173 |
| Undated [Rec’d Jan. 4, 1937] | Extract From Political Report of the Ambassador in
Germany Analysis of recent events affecting State–Church relations, including an interview of Cardinal Faulhaber with Hitler, promulgation of the “State Youth Law” making membership in Hitler Youth compulsory, certain “leaks” to the foreign press, discovered by the police, and activity of “German Christians”. |
175 |
Government Control and Nazification of Institutions of Education and Training in Germany
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1936 Undated [Rec’d Jan. 24] | Extract From Political Report of the Ambassador in
Germany Youth Leader Schirach’s New Year proclamation forecasting important changes in youth organizations amounting to conscription of the entire German youth between the ages of 10 and 14; assessment of the wide implications of the scheme. |
178 |
| Undated [Rec’d Apr. 22] | Extract From Political Report of the Chargé in
Germany Minister of Education Rust’s decree forbidding registration of beginners in private schools, and making attendance in public schools compulsory for children of elementary school age; provision for “short cuts” for students specializing in aeronautics and shipbuilding. |
180 |
| 1936 Undated [Rec’d May 9] | Extract From Political Report of the Chargé in
Germany Establishment of a Reich Academy for Physical Training, with accommodations for 500 teachers, who will be given post-graduate courses; and establishment of a Bureau of Sports under the Minister of the Interior. |
180 |
| Undated [Rec’d May 29] | Extract From Political Report of the Chargé in
Germany Decrees prohibiting Party members or members of affiliated organs from joining student corps, and calling on all members of the National Socialist Student League to sever connections with the student corps. |
181 |
| Undated [Rec’d Aug. 8] | Extract From Political Report of the Chargé in
Germany Duties of the primary school teacher under the National Socialist State as set forth in a pamphlet by the Bavarian Minister of Education, defining his numerous duties not only as teacher but also as a priest and missionary in the cause of National Socialism; supremacy of the National Socialist Lehrerbund in the field of teacher organizations. |
181 |
| Undated [Rec’d Oct. 9] | Extract From Political Report of the Ambassador in
Germany Announcement of the revolutionary changes in the German educational system at a meeting of officials of the professional training office of the Labor Front, including a shortening of the total school period and intensified professional training in elementary schools. |
182 |
| Undated [Rec’d Oct. 24] | Extract From Report of the Ambassador in
Germany Confusion in the German schools due to the new measures; trend from Confessional schools to nondenominational State schools; situation of the Catholic schools. |
184 |
| Undated [Rec’d Nov. 6] | Extract From Political Report of the Ambassador in
Germany Requirement of National Socialist Party affiliation for admittance to universities and high schools; agreement between the Education and Labor Ministries providing for representation of the Party and Labor Front on school boards. |
187 |
| Undated [Rec’d Nov. 28] | Extract From Political Report of the Ambassador in
Germany Outcome of conflict over political education in the universities; functions of the National Socialist Student League and the Deutsche Studentenschaft. |
187 |
| Dec. 11 (3186) | From the Ambassador in Germany Report on recent promulgation of legislation providing for compulsory membership of all children in National Socialist Youth organizations under the leadership of Baldur von Schirach. |
189 |
Persicution of Jews in Germany
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1936 Undated [Rec’d Jan. 24] | Extract From Political Report of the Ambassador in
Germany Information and comments on a second supplementary ordinance to the Reich Citizenship Law of September 15, 1935, defining “public offices” which Jews may not hold. |
192 |
| 1936 Jan. 21 (546) | To the Ambassador in Germany U. S. position regarding question of the possibility of invoking article I of the Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Consular Rights between the United States and Germany, signed December 8, 1923, in connection with the application of German laws to American Jews residing in Germany. |
194 |
| Jan. 27 (2626) | From the Ambassador in Germany Transmittal of a memorandum from the British Embassy in connection with contemplated submission to the German Government of claims for compensation on behalf of British Jews residing in Germany; British position as to desirability of similar representations by other foreign missions in Berlin. Suggestion as to possible U. S. action. |
194 |
| Jan. 30 (2628) | From the Ambassador in Germany Account of German economic discrimination against Jews; significance of preparations being made for the period of the Olympic Games to rehabilitate and enhance the reputation of the “New Germany”. |
197 |
| Feb. 15 (13) | To the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Department’s desire to pursue the policy outlined in No. 546 of January 21 with regard to rights of American citizens in Germany, and authorization to inform the British Embassy of U. S. position. |
199 |
| Feb. 25 (2688) | From the Ambassador in Germany Discussion of U. S. position with British Embassy, indicating belief that collective action would not be practicable, but that keeping in touch with other missions would be desirable with regard to effective means for protecting the interests of foreign Jews in Germany. |
199 |
| Apr. 28 (920) | From the Consul General at Berlin Exclusion of Jews from all commerce or trading in eggs, forming a precedent for further restriction of fields of livelihood. |
200 |
| Undated [Rec’d Aug. 28] | Extract From Political Report of the Ambassador in
Germany Information that it has become practically impossible for Jews to obtain passports, and possible reasons for this new policy. Observation that the Jewish population awaits with fear the termination of the Olympic Games period. |
201 |
| Sept. 12 (3034) | From the Ambassador in Germany Information that certain Jews were ordered to pay the so-called capital flight tax, although they had no intention of leaving the country; opinion that a large-scale attack on Jewish property may be organized in this manner. |
202 |
| Undated [Rec’d Oct. 24] | Extract From Report of the Ambassador in
Germany Report on a 3-day meeting of the National Socialist Lawyers League, with a view to taking steps to eliminate Jewish influence in the teaching and interpretation of German law. |
204 |
American Interest in the Work of the High Commission for Refugees (Jewish and Other) Coming From Germany
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1936 Mar. 9 (4277) | From the Minister in Switzerland Advice that Major-General Sir Neil Malcolm, appointed League of Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (Jewish and other), coming from Germany, entered upon his duties on February 14. |
206 |
| Mar. 19 (4301) | From the Minister in
Switzerland Information from the Secretary General of the League that the Inter-Governmental Conference for the adoption of legal status for refugees coming from Germany will meet at Geneva on July 2, and his inquiry as to whether the United States intends to be represented at Conference. |
206 |
| Apr. 6 (27) | To the Consul at Geneva (tel.) Desire that Consul attend Conference as an observer. |
207 |
| Apr. 7 | To the Secretary General of the League of
Nations Advice that the U. S. Government does not contemplate participating actively in the Conference, as the status of all persons coming to the United States is fully denned by existing legislation; but desire that an American observer attend the meetings. |
207 |
| June 6 | To the Consul at Geneva Designation of Curtis T. Everett as observer at the Inter-Governmental Refugee Conference, and instructions (text printed) for his use. |
208 |
| June 22 (240) | From the Consul at Geneva (tel.) Everett’s inquiry as to the scope of his activities at the Conference. |
209 |
| June 25 (79) | To the Consul at Geneva (tel.) Advice that Everett may furnish written information concerning pertinent U. S. immigration laws and regulations to the President of the Conference, or reply informally to personal inquiries. |
210 |
Unsatisfactory Trade Relations Between the United States and Germany; German Representations Against Imposition of Countervailing Duties by the United States
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1936 Jan. 28 (712) | From the American Ambassador in Germany to the
German Minister for Foreign Affairs Formal request on behalf of the U. S. Treasury Department for detailed information on the use of blocked marks, “Aski” marks, and other procedures used to promote exports, in order that provisions of section 303 of the U. S. Tariff Act of 1930 might be fulfilled. |
210 |
| Feb. 3 | Memorandum by Mr. Rudolf E. Schoenfeld of the
Division of Western European Affairs Conversation between Department and German officials on trade matters, during which the latter denied that a subsidy was paid German exporters, and stated that the “Aski” system was devised to meet the devaluation of the dollar. |
213 |
| 1936 Mar. 19 (26) | To the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Instructions to inform the German Government that, unless information requested on January 28 is received promptly, it cannot be considered before a Treasury Decision on countervailing duties on certain German imports is issued. |
214 |
| Mar. 20 (87) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Information that Foreign Office reply to note of January 28 has been approved by Minister for Economic Affairs Schacht and is expected on March 23. |
215 |
| Mar. 23 (91) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) German note dated March 20 (text printed) expressing opinion that the U. S. customs law governing the levying of countervailing duties does not apply to imports from Germany. |
215 |
| Mar. 24 (92) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) German statement (text printed) annexed to note transmitted in telegram No. 91, March 23, explaining the foreign exchange clearing methods used in commerce with the United States. |
217 |
| Mar. 30 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Trade
Agreements Conversation with Dr. Meyer, First Secretary of German Embassy, who presented German proposals (text printed) for reestablishment of most-favored-nation treatment by Germany. |
221 |
| Apr. 3 (2739) | From the Ambassador in Germany Receipt of a Foreign Office memorandum informing the Embassy of the German proposals which had been presented to the Department by Dr. Meyer. |
223 |
| Apr. 22 | Memorandum by Mr. Charles F. Darlington, Jr., of the
Division of Trade Agreements List of questions concerning the interpretation of the German memorandum received March 30 for reference to the German Government. |
224 |
| May 4 | Memorandum by the Secretary of State Résumé of a conversation with the Counselor of the German Embassy prior to his transfer to Berlin, who said that he would strive for German support of the U. S. international trade restoration program. |
225 |
| June 5 | Memorandum by the Assistant Economic
Adviser Résumé of a conversation with Dr. Meyer concerning a Treasury order of June 4 indicating that countervailing duties would be collected on certain German goods pursuant to the provisions of section 303 of the Tariff Act of 1930. |
227 |
| June 12 (176) | From the Chargé in Germany (tel.) German reaction to the recent Treasury Decision, and contemplation of sending someone to Washington with a view to clarifying the situation and trying to make a satisfactory arrangement. |
229 |
| June 13 (179) | From the Chargé in Germany (tel.) Further information on German reaction to Treasury Decision; opinion that Decision affords a certain U. S. bargaining advantage. |
230 |
| 1936 June 15 | Memorandum by the Assistant Economic
Adviser Résumé of a conversation with Dr. Meyer upon his presentation of a formal German note (infra) protesting against the Treasury Decision. |
230 |
| June 15 | From the German Ambassador Formal protest against Treasury Decision 48360 of June 4, with reiteration of statements contained in note of March 20 (transmitted in U. S. Ambassador’s telegram No. 91, March 23). |
233 |
| June 17 (187) | From the Chargé in Germany (tel.) Forthcoming departure of two officials of the Ministry of Economics, Brinkmann and Imhoff, for the United States to discuss German-American trade relations; understanding that Brinkmann has full powers to discuss recent Treasury Decision and to conclude arrangement with U. S. authorities toward maintenance of present trade. |
234 |
| June 20 (194) | From the Chargé in Germany (tel.) Conversation with Brinkmann, who has had no word from Washington to show U. S. desire for his visit; Chargé’s favorable impression of Brinkmann, and belief that his visit would contribute to the solution of the particular question at issue, as well as to German understanding of U. S. economic policy. |
235 |
| June 22 (19) | To the Chargé in Germany (tel.) Willingness to receive Brinkmann subject to understanding that laws on countervailing duties are mandatory and that the Executive Branch of the Government cannot waive their application. |
235 |
| June 24 | To the German Ambassador Acknowledgment of German note of June 15, indicating that the matter has been referred to the competent authorities. |
236 |
| June 24 | From the German Embassy Detailed reply to the questionnaire based on the memorandum of April 22 by Mr. Darlington of the Division of Trade Agreements. |
236 |
| July 6 | Memorandum by Mr. Rudolf E. Schoenfeld of the
Division of Western European Affairs Résumé of a conversation between the Secretary and the German group, headed by Dr. Brinkmann, sent to Washington to discuss the effect on American-German trade relations of the recent countervailing duty decision. |
241 |
| July 6 | Memorandum by the Assistant Economic
Adviser Account of a conversation between officials of the Department and the German group with regard to countervailing duties against German products. |
243 |
| July 13 | Memorandum by Mr. Rudolf E. Schoenfeld of the
Division of Western European Affairs Delivery by the German group of a memorandum outlining a procedure they had proposed to their Government in order to avoid conflict with section 303 of the Tariff Act of 1930; their explanation of the proposal. |
245 |
| 1936 July 25 | From the German Ambassador German declaration, in connection with Treasury Decision 48360 of June 4, freeing certain goods for export to the United States from certain procedures. |
246 |
| July 28 | Memorandum by the Secretary of
State Conversation with the German Ambassador, who made an earnest plea against the imposition of countervailing duties on certain German exports. |
247 |
| Aug. 1 | From the Consul General at Berlin (tel.) Advice of freeing of accounts for deliveries of goods to the United States from certain procedures as of August 3. |
247 |
| Aug. 5 | To the German Ambassador Advice that Treasury Decision 48360 was amended on August 4, and that under this provision countervailing duties shall not apply to imports of the German goods specified in Ambassador’s note of July 25 if documentary evidence shows that contract of purchase was entered into after July 25. |
248 |
| Aug. 12 | Memorandum by the Under Secretary of
State Delivery of a note (infra) by the German Ambassador, who made further representations against the countervailing duties. |
248 |
| Aug. 12 | From the German Ambassador Notification of comprehensive German measures in connection with direct or indirect exportation of dutiable goods to the United States, with adverse effect on volume of U. S.-German trade attributable to the U. S. decisions. |
249 |
| Aug. 14 | To the German Ambassador Information that Treasury Decision 48360 was further modified, in view of assurances given by the German Government. |
250 |
| Aug. 18 (256) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Résumé of a conversation with Schacht, who insisted on bilateral agreements and said that the only chance for Germany to cooperate for world peace would be international guarantees of colonial possessions. |
250 |
| Oct. 22 | From the German Embassy Interpretation of the German statement of August 12 in view of a recent Treasury Department ruling. |
251 |
| Nov. 24 | Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of
State Conversation with the German Ambassador and Dr. Meyer, before the Ambassador’s return to Germany, concerning the status of trade possibilities between the two countries. |
252 |
| Dec. 8 | To the German Chargé Information from Treasury Department supplementing statements contained in Department’s note of the same date (infra). |
254 |
| Dec. 8 | To the German Chargé Receipt of communication from Treasury Department (text quoted) stating its understanding concerning certain types of transactions which the German Government proposes to permit in furtherance of U. S.-German trade; request for confirmation of this understanding. |
254 |
| Dec. 16 | From the German Chargé Confirmation of Treasury Department’s understanding as set forth in Department’s note of December 8. |
256 |
Negotiations for a Settlement of the Drier Claim and the Sabotage Claimes of United States Against Germany
[Page XXVII]| 1936 Mar. 14 (24) | To the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Willingness to have a U. S. representative meet with a German representative relative to settlement of sabotage claims pending before the Mixed Claims Commission, providing negotiations would not result in postponement of hearing set for May 12, in case settlement is not made by then. |
256 |
| Apr. 21 (585) | To the Ambassador in Germany Department’s desire that the compromise settlement reached in 1933 on the Drier case be made effective by the German Government, and instructions to take up case with the Foreign Office. |
257 |
| May 6 (135) | From the Chargé in Germany (tel.) Account of conversation with Minister-President Göring, in charge of the sabotage claims matter. His ideas on improvement of German-American relations and settlement of the real difficulties between the two countries. |
260 |
| May 8 (46) | To the Chargé in Germany (tel.) Instructions to tell Göring informally that final argument in sabotage cases is set for May 12, but that hearings might be adjourned if he gives assurance that he intends in principle to settle these claims. |
262 |
| May 9 (139) | From the Chargé in Germany (tel.) Information from Göring that he is instructing the German Agent to request adjournment of hearings; his belief that adjournment would be wise. |
262 |
| May 11 (49) | To the Chargé in Germany (tel.) Advice that German Agent only has instructions not to object to adjournment of hearings; assumption that, unless German Agent takes the initiative, the hearings will proceed as scheduled on May 12. |
263 |
| May 12 (143) | From the Chargé in Germany (tel.) Foreign Office failure to carry out Gӧring’s plan for adjournment, and information that Hitler and Gӧring are determined to maintain Gӧring’s position in the matter. Opinion that it would not be desirable to take up the question with Göring again. |
263 |
| May 13 (51) | To the Chargé in Germany (tel.) Approval of Chargé’s action, and advice that Commission is now hearing arguments. |
265 |
| May 14 (52) | To the Chargé in Germany (tel.) Review of situation, and belief that the German Government desires to effect a compromise settlement; instructions to make it clear at all times that the Department cannot take the initiative in the matter, but is ready to cooperate in good faith. |
265 |
| May 19 (153) | From the Chargé in Germany (tel.) Foreign Office position that the Drier case was definitely settled by the German-American Mixed Claims Commission and therefore it was in no position to comply with U. S. suggestion for additional payment. |
266 |
| 1936 May 21 (154) | From the Chargé in Germany (tel.) Conversation with Von Pfeffer, Göring’s emissary, who said it would be easier to have the Claims Commission cases settled if and when representatives were appointed to discuss the entire ensemble of difficulties in conformity with Göring’s proposals of May 6. |
266 |
| May 22 (59) | To the Chargé in Germany (tel.) Instructions to make it clear to Pfeffer that United States Government is unwilling to condition settlement of sabotage cases on solution of larger problems, and to indicate U. S. willingness to send a representative to deal with sabotage claims. |
268 |
| May 28 (162) | From the Chargé in Germany (tel.) Pfeffer’s delivery of a 5-point statement indicating the German Government’s desire to attempt amicably to dispose of the old sabotage claims and to take up the broader problems separately. Göring’s request to Foreign Office that the German Agent in Washington seek postponement of claims proceedings. |
208 |
| June 4 (169) | From the Chargé in Germany (tel.) Message from Pfeffer (text printed) indicating that Commission proceedings in Washington have been terminated, and transmitting Göring’s willingness to receive a U. S. representative in June. |
269 |
| June 5 (67) | To the Chargé in Germany (tel.) Instructions to inform Pfeffer informally of U. S. readiness to send a representative to Germany to discuss the sabotage cases if the Foreign Office indicates that visit is desired. |
270 |
| June 8 (173) | From the Chargé in Germany (tel.) Information from Pfeffer that instructions will be sent by the Foreign Office to the German Embassy in Washington concerning visit of U. S. representative and also concerning postponement of Commission hearing set for June 17. |
270 |
| June 16 (70) | To the Chargé in Germany (tel.) Information that the German Embassy has been instructed to request postponement of June 17 hearing, but has no word from Berlin with regard to sending representatives to Germany to discuss final settlement of the sabotage cases. |
271 |
| June 18 (72) | To the Chargé in Germany (tel.) Advice from German Embassy that instruction received from Berlin relative to postponement of hearings implies willingness to enter into negotiations; preparation to send representatives. |
271 |
| June 19 | To the American Agent and Counsel, Mixed Claims
Commission, United States and Germany Instructions to proceed to Germany for the one purpose of discussing a compromise settlement of the sabotage claims; non-authorization to discuss any other matter pertaining to the general relations between United States and Germany. |
272 |
| July 11 | From the American Agent and Counsel, Mixed Claims
Commission Account of negotiations held at Munich which resulted in a German proposal, July 6, for a compromise settlement of U. S. sabotage claims, including the Drier claim, and U. S. acceptance of the proposal, July 6 (texts printed). |
272 |
| 1936 Oct. 22 (134) | To the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Advice that any intimation regarding Department’s endeavor to block the Munich claims agreement is false, and that action thereon will be exclusively within jurisdiction of the Mixed Claims Commission. |
277 |
| Oct. 28 (317) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Pfeffer’s satisfaction with Department’s reassurances; his memorandum dealing with sending Dr. Markau, claims expert, to Washington to expedite execution of the Munich agreement. |
277 |
| Nov. 9 | Memorandum by the Special Assistant to the Secretary
of State and Chief of the Division of Western European
Affairs Conversation between the Acting Secretary and Dr. Markau, who indicated German desire for certain verbal changes in the agreement; Acting Secretary’s attempt to clarify Pfeffer’s official position, to separate claims negotiations from those on general problems, and to secure action through official channels. |
278 |
| Nov. 19 | Memorandum by the Legal
Adviser Conversation with Dr. Markau, who had received a telegram from Göring relative to arrangements for proceeding with the settlement of the sabotage claims. |
281 |
| Nov. 23 | Memorandum by the Legal Adviser Information from the Counselor of the German Embassy that Dr. Markau is not authorized by the German Government to discuss with U. S. officials matters pertaining to the relations between the two Governments, nor is he authorized to speak even on the sabotage claims settlement. |
282 |
| Dec. 14 | From the American Agent, Mixed Claims
Commission Transmittal of two letters from Pfeffer indicating that the German Government now seeks to attach subsequent conditions to the Munich agreement. Opinion that the agreement was final and that Germany cannot evade it by endeavoring to attach subsequent conditions to it. |
282 |
Representations in Behalf of an American Citizen Deprived of Right To Continue Business in Germany Because of Anti-Jewish Regulations
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1936 Feb. 13 (773) | From the Consul General at Munich Request for instructions regarding the case of Mrs. Betty G. Spiegelberg, an American citizen, unable to continue work as a literary agent due to anti-Jewish regulations. |
285 |
| Apr. 13. (581) | To the Arnbassador in Germany Instructions to request Foreign Office action looking toward continuance of Mrs. Spiegelberg’s activities, and to indicate U. S. concern over any attempt to differentiate between American citizens because of race or religion in application of terms of the Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Consular Rights, signed December 8, 1923. |
286 |
| Sept. 3 (3017) | From the Ambassador in Germany Foreign Office contention that application of the 1935 Nuremberg laws could not be considered a violation of the treaty of 1923, but willingness to consider the case as evidence of good will. |
287 |
| 1936 Sept. 4 (272) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Advice of negative decision in the Spiegelberg case. |
289 |
| Sept. 29 (124) | To the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Instructions to take up case with the Foreign Minister, and to request a satisfactory settlement, emphasizing the importance attached thereto by the U. S. Government. |
289 |
| Oct. 19 (306) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Foreign Office information that Mrs. Spiegelberg has permission to continue her business conditionally, pending decision of Reich press chamber. |
290 |
| (Note: Final refusal of Propaganda Ministry, on April 1, 1937, to permit Mrs. Spiegelberg to continue her work.) | 290 |
Representations in Behalf of an American Citizen Arrested for Smuggling Communistic Literature Into Germany and Held Fourteen Months in Prison Before Trial
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1935 July 20 (495) | From the Consul at Hamburg Report on the circumstances of arrest and imprisonment of Lawrence Simpson, American seaman, found in possession of Communistic propaganda material, and accused of Communist activities; Simpson’s denial of intent to smuggle propaganda material ashore. |
291 |
| Aug. 17 | To the Consul at Hamburg (tel.) Instructions to express to German authorities the hope that Simpson may be given an early trial; inquiry as to measures taken to assure Simpson of adequate legal representation. |
293 |
| Aug. 29 (521) | From the Consul General at Hamburg Further information on the Simpson case, and on measures taken to assure him of adequate legal representation. |
293 |
| 1936 Apr. 28 | To the Consul General at Berlin (tel.) Approval of attempt to expedite Simpson proceedings, and instructions to continue pressing for early trial. |
294 |
| July 29 (95) | To the Chargé in Germany (tel.) Conversation with the German Ambassador concerning Simpson’s imprisonment for a year without indictment or trial; instructions to make representations at Foreign Office, expressing hope for a speedy trial. |
295 |
| July 30 (237) | From the Chargé in Germany (tel.) Opinion of Consulate General that no representations should be made to Foreign Office until important negotiations with the People’s Court relative to approval of a lawyer for Simpson are consummated. Information that Simpson was indicted in June. |
295 |
| July 31 (98) | To the Chargé in Germany (tel.) Request that representations should not be unduly delayed. |
296 |
| 1936 Aug. 7 (247) | From the Chargé in Germany (tel.) Information from Foreign Office that charges against Simpson involve distribution of Communist propaganda in Germany, and that sentence would probably be severe. |
296 |
| Aug. 31 | Memorandum by the Secretary of State German Ambassador’s report that Simpson’s trial has been set for the end of September; further discussion of the case and of the Secretary’s position. |
296 |
| Sept. 23 (120) | To the Ambassador in Germany Conversation with the German Ambassador, stressing the necessity of adequate provision to enable Simpson’s presentation of all testimony advantageous to him; instructions to make oral representations to the Foreign Office. |
297 |
| Sept. 23 | To the Consul General at Berlin (tel.) Instructions relating to proper legal assistance for Simpson, and presence of a Consulate representative at the trial. |
298 |
| Sept. 24 (289) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Information from Foreign Office that trial would be strictly in accordance with German judiciary proceedings, and that period of Simpson’s incarceration would be applied against any prison sentence he may receive. |
298 |
| Sept. 24 | From the Consul General at Berlin (tel.) Willingness of President of the Third Senate of People’3 Court to permit attendance of consular representative at trial, except possibly when evidence was being given in regard to espionage. |
299 |
| Sept. 25 | From the Consul General at Berlin (tel.) Account of second conversation with President of People’s Court; advice that Simpson now wishes to employ assistant counsel of his own choice. |
299 |
| Sept. 26 (290) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Presentation of note verbale to Foreign Office indicating that the Embassy would consider refusal to permit consular attendance at trial as contrary to provisions of the 1923 treaty. |
300 |
| Sept. 28 (121) | To the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Press report indicating that Simpson has confessed to distributing Communist literature and was given a 3-year sentence minus 15 months already served; instructions, if report is correct, to attempt to get sentence suspended with understanding that Simpson be deported at once. |
301 |
| Sept. 28 | From the Consul General at Berlin (tel.) Advice that the court has found Simpson guilty of so-called treason and espionage and has sentenced him to 3 years in penitentiary less 14 months already spent in jail. |
301 |
| Oct. 1 (297) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Conversation with the Foreign Minister, who held out no hope for immediate mitigation of the sentence, but suggested possibility of later readjustment. |
301 |
| Oct. 16 | To the Consul General at Berlin (tel.) Instructions for further representations in the Simpson matter, and request for certain information in connection with the projected petition for Simpson’s pardon. |
302 |
| 1936 Oct. 20 | From the Consul General at Berlin (tel.) Advice that Simpson has signed a petition asking the Chancellor for pardon. |
303 |
| Nov. 5 (135) | To the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Instructions to support Simpson’s petition by oral representations to Foreign Office. |
303 |
| Nov. 7 (326) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Sympathetic reception of representations by the Foreign Office. |
304 |
| Dec. 1 (353) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Information from Foreign Office that Simpson will be released December 20 on 5-year probation; comment on helpfulness of Foreign Office in recommending favorable action on petition to Hitler. (Footnote: Simpson’s departure for the United States on December 23.) |
304 |
GREECE
Treaty of Establishment Between the United States and Greece, Signed November 21, 1936
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1935 Nov. 15 (240) | To the Minister in Greece Background on earlier negotiations for a treaty of friendship, commerce and consular rights with Greece, and transmittal of a draft treaty of establishment, with instructions to point out to the Foreign Office the need for such a treaty. |
305 |
| 1936 Jan. 23 (13) | From the Minister in Greece (tel.) Greek agreement in principle to treaty negotiations; submittal of Department’s draft to Foreign Office. |
307 |
| Sept. 24 (96) | From the Minister in Greece (tel.) Greek readiness to sign treaty as worded in the draft. |
307 |
| Sept. 25 (53) | To the Minister in Greece (tel.) Forwarding of full powers, with request to assure that Greek and English texts will be exactly identic in meaning. |
307 |
Acceptance With Reservations by the United States of Partial Interest Payments on American Loans to Greece Under the Agreements of May 10, 1929, and May 24, 1932
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1936 Jan. 30 (113) | From the Greek Minister Readiness of the Greek Government to pay 35 percent of the interest due on May 10 and November 10, 1935, under part II of the Debt Agreement of May 10, 1929, but maintenance that debt should be considered as a war debt. |
308 |
| Feb. 3 | To the Secretary of the
Treasury Transmittal of Greek note of January 30 (supra) and Department’s draft reply for comment; opinion that payment should be accepted with appropriate reservation. |
308 |
| 1936 Feb. 6 | From the Acting Secretary of the
Treasury Approval of Department’s position and of draft reply. |
309 |
| Feb. 8 | To the Greek Minister Reply to note of January 30, indicating willingness to accept payment tendered, but making definite reservations in respect to the Greek debt. |
310 |
| Mar. 28 | To the Secretary of the Treasury Suggested statement (text printed) for use in the receipt covering the 35 percent interest payment by Greece. |
311 |
| Apr. 15 | To the Greek Minister Acknowledgment of receipt of payment, including statement that payment was received without prejudice to U. S. contractual rights set forth in the Debt Agreement of May 10, 1929. |
311 |
| Apr. 21 | Memorandum by the Assistant Chief of the Division of
Near Eastern Affairs Conversation with the Greek Minister, who explained that a Greek offer on May 10, 1936, for partial interest payment on the 1929 loan is dependent on an agreement being reached between Greece and the League Loans Committee relative to payments on the Greek Stabilization and Refugee Settlement Loan. |
312 |
| June 13 | To the Greek Minister Notification of payments due under the agreements of May 10, 1929, and May 24, 1932, with indication of willingness to discuss any proposals pertaining thereto. |
313 |
| June 16 | From the Greek Minister Acknowledgment of the Secretary’s note. |
314 |
| Sept. 8 (327) | To the Chargé in Greece Transmittal of a press notice containing recommendation of the (British) Council of Foreign Bondholders and the League Loans Committee that bondholders accept the Greek proposal of a 40 percent interest payment on certain debts; instructions to observe and report on execution of proposal. |
314 |
| Oct. 29 | To the Greek Minister Notification that a partial interest payment due from the Greek Government to the United States was deposited on October 21 with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York for credit to the account of the U. S. Treasurer. |
315 |
| Nov. 12 | To the Greek Minister Acknowledgment of further interest payment on November 6. |
315 |
Status of Naturalized Americans of Greek Race Born in Turkey and Temporarily Residing in Greece, Required To Register as Greek Citizens Before Leaving Country
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1935 Dec. 24 | Memorandum by the Assistant to the Legal
Adviser Opinion that Vasilios Hagiperos, a naturalized U. S. citizen, did not voluntarily acquire Greek nationality while residing temporarily in Greece; draft of instructions to the Legation in Greece relative to the matter (infra). |
315 |
| 1936 Jan. 16 (257) | To the Minister in Greece Instructions to make representations against the practice of compelling naturalized U. S. citizens, born in Turkey of parents of the Greek race, sojourning in Greece, to register as Greek citizens under article 141 of Greek Law 4324 before being allowed to leave Greece. |
317 |
| Jan. 16 | To the Consul General at Athens Explanation of circumstances surrounding the registration of Hagiperos, indicating that his registration may be regarded as involuntary; authorization to issue a passport to him. |
318 |
| Apr. 3 | From the Consul at Athens Comment on article 141 of Greek Law No. 4324 (text printed), and on the difficulties in most cases in determining whether registration as Greek citizens is effected voluntarily or involuntarily. |
319 |
| Sept. 11 (1335) | From the Chargé in Greece Foreign Office reply (text printed) to representations made in accordance with instruction No. 257 of January 16, and transmittal of a memorandum explaining Greek attitude. |
321 |
Proposed Convention Between the United States and Greece for the Exemption From Military Service of Persons Having Dual Nationality
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1935 Aug. 28 (796) | From the Chargé in Greece Suggestion regarding possible negotiation of a convention with Greece similar to that with Sweden, signed January 31, 1933, exempting persons of dual nationality from military service. |
322 |
| 1936 Jan. 14 (256) | To the Minister in Greece Instructions relative to the possibility of negotiating an agreement with the Greek Government which would gispose of problems arising from the conflict between Greek and American nationality laws. Suggestion of an article (text printed) to be used as the fundamental provision of such an agreement. |
323 |
| Mar. 24 (1111) | From the Minister in Greece Comments on Department’s instructions, and suggestion that negotiations be limited to extending certain privileges now informally granted. |
325 |
| May 15 (295) | To the Minister in Greece Authorization to propose to the Greek Government negotiation of a convention embodying the article quoted in Department’s instruction No. 256 of January 14. |
328 |
| July 2 (308) | To the Minister in Greece Approval of a phrase added to Department’s draft of the article for the projected treaty. |
330 |
| (Note: Information that the Minister did not proceed further with these proposals because of political changes in Greece and the establishment of the Metaxas dictatorship.) | 331 |
Refusal by the United States To Conclude an Agreement With Greece for the Reciprocal Recognition of Identification Cards Held by Seamen
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1936 Mar. 6 (321) | From the Greek Minister Suggestion that an agreement be concluded between the United States and Greece for the reciprocal recognition of identification cards held by seamen instead of passports. |
332 |
| Apr. 22 | From the Deputy Commissioner, Immigration and
Naturalization Service, Department of Labor View that proposed agreement would be inadvisable, with mention of adequacy of present seamen’s privileges and of possible danger of increase of fraudulent entry of aliens into the United States. |
332 |
| May 8 | To the Greek Minister Information on present regulations pertaining to alien seamen, and advice that U. S. authorities are not aware of any need for an agreement as suggested. |
333 |
HUNGARY
Propriety of United States Participation at the Dedication of a Statue to General Bandholtz, Former American Commissioner in Hungary
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1936 Mar. 23 (7) | To the Minister in Hungary (tel.) Instructions not to attend the unveiling ceremonies of a statue to General Bandholtz, U. S. Commissioner on the Interallied Military Mission in Hungary, 1919–20, who allegedly had prevented looting of the Royal Hungarian Museum during the Rumanian occupation. |
335 |
| Mar. 27 (14) | From the Minister in Hungary (tel.) Opinion that Legation’s refusal to be represented at unveiling ceremonies of the statue of an American highranking officer would offend Hungarians, and that compulsory absence in the United States would be the only excuse not to attend and make a speech, as already requested by Hungarians. |
336 |
| Mar. 31 (10) | To the Minister in Hungary (tel.) Approval of plan to be absent on U. S. leave at time of ceremony, and recognition that Legation should be represented. |
336 |
| July 17 (30) | From the Chargé in Hungary (tel.) Intention to attend ceremony, but not to deliver an address. |
337 |
| Aug. 7 (31) | From the Chargé in Hungary (tel.) Difficulty in remaining aloof without giving offense; request for authorization to deposit a wreath, with suggested statement. (Footnote: Authorization granted August 12.) |
337 |
| Aug. 26 (449) | From the Chargé in Hungary Description of ceremonies, and remarks (text printed) made upon depositing of a wreath. |
338 |
ITALY
Suspension of Trade Agreement Discussions With Italy; Negotiations Respecting a New Treaty of Friendship, Commerce And Navigation; Denunciation of Treaty of 1871
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1936 Jan. 4 (1) | To the Ambassador in Italy (tel.) Informal memorandum (text printed) presented by Italian Ambassador Rosso, indicating Italian readiness to send experts to Washington to discuss trade matters; instructions to request appropriate authorities to take no steps to send experts pending U. S. reply. |
340 |
| Jan. 6 (8) | From the Ambassador in Italy (tel.) Advice that instructions have been carried out. |
341 |
| Jan. 15 | Memorandum by the Special Assistant to the Secretary
of State and Chief of the Division of Western European
Affairs Conversation with Rosso, who was given a statement (infra) and told that the Department wished to suspend trade agreement negotiations with Italy for the present, but that most-favored-nation treatment would be continued as long as Italy did not discriminate against U. S. trade. |
341 |
| Undated | To the Italian Ambassador Reply to Rosso’s memorandum of January 4 indicating that sending experts to Washington at this time could serve no useful purpose, and that it was advisable to suspend trade agreement negotiations. |
342 |
| July 21 | Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of
State Résumé of a conversation with the Italian Ambassador during which the opinion was expressed that chances for a successful trade agreement depended upon Italy’s finding a way to grant equality of treatment to the United States, and that the existing treaty of 1871 ought to be replaced by a more modern treaty. |
343 |
| Sept. 8 | To the Ambassador in Italy Transmittal of draft text of a proposed treaty of friendship, commerce and navigation to replace the obsolete treaty of 1871; instructions to propose a joint declaration of termination of the 1871 treaty, indicating that refusal would lead to U. S. unilateral denunciation. |
344 |
| Sept. 29 (391) | From the Ambassador in Italy (tel.) Informal conversation with Foreign Minister Ciano regarding negotiation of a new treaty of commerce and friendship, which would require denunciation of the old treaty; Ciano’s desire to study the subject. |
347 |
| Oct. 5 (401) | From the Ambassador in Italy (tel.) Summary of a communiqué dealing with certain economic actions adopted at meeting of the Council of Ministers, including devaluation of the lira and abolition of the ad valorem tax on imports and of the system of private compensation transactions. |
347 |
| Oct. 6 (404) | From the Ambassador in Italy (tel.) Conversation with Mussolini, who expressed hope for closer commercial understanding. |
350 |
| Oct. 7 (132) | To the Ambassador in Italy (tel.) Gratification over certain economic measures as reported in telegram No. 401 of October 5; comment on elasticity of measures, and instructions to watch their application closely. |
350 |
| 1936 Oct. 8 (405) | From the Ambassador in Italy (tel.) Presentation of Department’s draft treaty to Ciano with indication that a note denouncing the old treaty would be sent to him; his desire for a week’s time to study the draft. |
351 |
| Oct. 12 (134) | To the Ambassador in Italy (tel.) Request for information on Italian attitude toward a joint declaration terminating the treaty of 1871. |
352 |
| Nov. 21 (481) | From the Ambassador in Italy (tel.) Meeting of Italian Government officials, who accepted the fundamental principles of the proposed new treaty and agreed that a counterdraft would be prepared of the provisions they considered to require modification. Intention to address a note to Ciano regarding joint denunciation of the old treaty. |
352 |
| Nov. 22 (156) | To the Ambassador in Italy (tel.) Department’s unwillingness to accept any proposal involving bargaining on any American product. Intention of unilateral denunciation of the 1871 treaty if Italy does not agree to mutual denunciation. |
353 |
| Nov. 24 (484) | From the Ambassador in Italy (tel.) Italian willingness to consider joint denunciation of the treaty of 1871, if by December 15 conclusion of the new treaty does not appear likely before the first of the year. |
355 |
| Dec. 2 (169) | To the Ambassador in Italy (tel.) Acceptance of Italian proposal, and instructions to press for joint notice of termination as soon as possible. |
355 |
| Dec. 9 (516) | From the Ambassador in Italy (tel.) Request for a draft notice of joint denunciation for presentation to the Foreign Office, if it becomes evident that the treaty will probably not be concluded before the end of the year. |
356 |
| Dec. 10 (177) | To the Ambassador in Italy (tel.) Form of joint notification of denunciation (text printed), as requested. |
356 |
| Dec. 11 (523) | From the Ambassador in Italy (tel.) Receipt from Italian experts of the first 13 articles of the new treaty of commerce and friendship. Advice that the draft denunciation was handed to Foreign Office official, who felt that denunciation could be arranged within a few days. |
357 |
| Dec. 16 (530) | From the Ambassador in Italy (tel.) Signing by Ciano and the Ambassador of procés verbale, dated December 15, denouncing the treaty of 1871. Communiqué issued to the press (text printed). |
357 |
| Dec. 16 (533) | From the Ambassador in Italy (tel.) Receipt of remaining articles of the Italian text of new treaty; Italian version of articles 6 and 8 (text printed), which contain the most important differences. |
358 |
Informal Representations to the Italian Government With Respect to Regulations Limiting the Transfer Abroad of Proceeds From Rental Of Films in Italy
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1936 Aug. 31 (736) | To the Chargé in Italy Memorandum for Foreign Office (text printed) making representations against certain new regulations affecting the transfer abroad of proceeds from the rental of films in Italy. |
360 |
| Oct. 1 (14) | From the Ambassador in Italy Presentation of the memorandum to Prof. Guarneri, Undersecretary of State for Trade and Foreign Exchange, by the Commercial Attaché and report on their conversation (text printed). |
362 |
| Oct. 9 (133) | To the Ambassador in Italy (tel.) Information that motion picture interests will close out their business in Italy if the regulations in question are maintained; instructions to renew oral and written representations. |
364 |
| Oct. 15 (31) | From the Ambassador in Italy Renewed representations to Guarneri, who said that certain regulations would be abandoned and explained forthcoming modifications and quota system. Transmittal of a memorandum submitted by Charles C. Pettijohn, General Counsel of the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America. |
365 |
| Oct. 22 (424) | From the Ambassador in Italy (tel.) Information that American film companies consider the contemplated Italian quotas inadequate; Petti John’s list of conditions American companies must insist upon in order to exist. Request for instructions. |
367 |
| Oct. 23 (141) | To the Ambassador in Italy (tel.) Comment that outstanding objection to the regulations is the very small percentage of motion picture earnings in Italy which can be exported; belief that Pettijohn’s position might be supported rather vigorously. |
368 |
| Oct. 31 (438) | From the Ambassador in Italy (tel.) Receipt by distributors of regulations effective for the year ending June 30, 1937; intention to present entire matter to the Foreign Minister. |
369 |
| Nov. 18 (472) | From the Ambassador in Italy (tel.) Advice that Will Hays, President of the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America, was presented to Ciano to discuss the views of the film interests; Ciano’s promise to bring matter before the Grand Council. |
369 |
| Nov. 22 (482) | From the Ambassador in Italy (tel.) Information that the Italian Treasury is unwilling to relax restrictions without tariff compensation in return; request for a statement expressing hope for improved trade relations, for presentation to Ciano or Mussolini. |
370 |
| Dec. 10 (517) | From the Ambassador in Italy (tel.) Communication from Ciano indicating an 8,000,000-lire increase in the exchange allotment for importation of American films; intention to seek explanation, since this differs from an understanding reached while Mr. Hays was in Rome. |
371 |
| Dec. 10 (520) | From the Ambassador in Italy (tel.) Résumé of a discussion with Ciano concerning the exchange allotments for American companies; his promise to send written assurances. |
371 |
| 1936 Dec. 14 (179) | To the Ambassador in Italy (tel.) Inability to understand the reason for Italian changed attitude on points satisfactorily settled while Hays was in Rome, and instructions to impress upon Italian authorities the importance placed by the Department on a satisfactory arrangement in the matter. |
372 |
| Dec. 15 (527) | From the Ambassador in Italy (tel.) Failure of authorities to furnish requested written assurances, and intention to make further representations. |
372 |
| Dec. 16 (186) | To the Ambassador in Italy (tel.) Message from Hays (text printed) containing suggestions for further negotiations. |
373 |
| Dec. 17 (535) | From the Ambassador in Italy (tel.) Further representations to Ciano, based on Hays’ suggestions. |
374 |
| Dec. 19 (539) | From the Ambassador in Italy (tel.) Detailed note from Ciano (text printed) concerning the film negotiations. |
374 |
| Dec. 21 (540) | From the Ambassador in Italy (tel.) Request for views on Ciano’s note of December 19. |
376 |
| Dec. 22 (189) | To the Ambassador in Italy (tel.) Information from Hays (text printed) indicating willingness of the American companies to concur in details of the accord outlined in Ciano’s note of December 19, pending clarification of two assumptions. |
376 |
| Dec. 24 (549) | From the Ambassador in Italy (tel.) Positive assurances from Foreign Office relative to the two assumptions. |
377 |
| Dec. 24 (193) | To the Ambassador in Italy (tel.) Information from Hays that final details have been clarified and that the continental managers of the American companies are being notified to resume business in Italy. |
377 |
LATVIA
Representations Regarding Alleged Discrimination Against American Trade in Latvia
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1936 Apr. 2 (1126 Diplo.) | From the Chargé in Latvia Foreign Office reply (text printed) to a Legation note of September 11, 1935, denying discrimination against American trade. |
379 |
| Oct. 1 (52) | To the Minister in Latvia (tel.) Request for comprehensive report on effect of Latvian devaluation on American-Latvian trade. (Footnote: Information regarding devaluation of the lat.) |
384 |
| Oct. 6 (86) | From the Minister in Latvia (tel.) Information from President Ulmanis that import restrictions will be gradually relaxed as a result of devaluation, and that the Government is arranging to buy a large number of U. S. automobiles and trucks. |
384 |
| 1936 Dec. 19 (119) | From the Chargé in Latvia (tel.) Possible effect of a law passed by the Council of Ministers, December 14, on American firms represented by commission agents; purpose of law. |
384 |
| Dec. 23 (272) | From the Chargé in Latvia Report, as requested in Department’s No. 52, October 1, on the effect of Latvian devaluation on American-Latvian trade. |
385 |
NETHERLANDS
Reciprocal Agreement Between the United States and the Netherlands Granting Free Entry Privileges for Trade Commissioners
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1936 June 23 (269) | To the Minister in the
Netherlands Instructions to advise the Foreign Office of U. S. readiness to enter into a reciprocal agreement granting trade commissioners free entry privileges at any time, as suggested by the U. S. Consul at Batavia. |
390 |
| Nov. 12 (583) | From the Minister in the Netherlands Note to the Foreign Office, July 2 (text printed), and satisfactory reply, November 10 (text printed), indicating agreement, on a reciprocal basis, to U. S. suggestions. |
391 |
Discussion Respecting an Arrangement Between the United States and the Netherlands and Netherlands Indies Government for the Prevention of Double Taxation
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1936 Apr. 15 | To the Netherland Chargé Transmittal of a Treasury Department letter indicating that the taxation system of the Netherlands Indies does not satisfy certain requirements of the Revenue Act of 1934. |
392 |
| May 25 | To the Netherland Chargé Transmittal of a further letter from the Treasury Department explaining its opinion that the decree issued by the Netherland Finance Minister on April 17, 1928, does not satisfy certain credit requirements of the Revenue Acts of 1928, 1932, and 1934. |
393 |
| Sept. 8 (2270) | From the Netherland Minister Indication that U. S. citizens residing in the Netherlands or Netherlands Indies are granted tax exemption on income derived from United States and all countries other than the Netherlands or their overseas territories; inquiry as to possibility that United States might continue to take the view that these countries allow to U. S. citizens similar credit within the meaning of section 131 of the 1934 Revenue Act and corresponding provisions of 1932 and 1928 Revenue Acts. |
393 |
| Oct. 21 | To the Netherland Chargé Letter from the Treasury Department (excerpts printed) explaining the provisions of the 1936 and previous Revenue Acts; advice that Department is constrained to adhere to its previous position. |
394 |
| (Note: Netherland publication of an order in April 1937 rescinding exemption from taxation granted to U. S. citizens residing in the Netherlands.) | 395 |
NORWAY
Preliminary Discussions Respecting a Trade Agreement Between the United States and Norway
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1936 Mar. 26 | Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of
State Conversation with the Norwegian Minister relative to the Tonry Bill for repeal of the whale oil tax, and possible effect of the repeal on trade agreement negotiations; steps taken to secure Treasury Department assistance regarding repeal. |
396 |
| May 20 | Memorandum by the Secretary of
State Conversation with the Norwegian Minister regarding the whale oil tax and trade relations; discussion also of policies to promote and preserve world peace. |
397 |
| June 20 | Memorandum by the Secretary of State Résumé of a conversation with the Norwegian Minister prior to his departure for Norway, during which he observed that the U. S. economic program offered the best agency to bring about economic and military peace. |
398 |
| Aug. 31 (50) | From the Minister in Norway (tel.) Norwegian desire to negotiate a preliminary trade agreement respecting a limited number of items, prior to negotiating a broader agreement, in order to regain the American whale oil market; mention of improved import facilities for a limited number of U. S. products. |
399 |
| Sept. 2 (24) | To the Minister in Norway (tel.) Information that the Department cannot announce negotiations for a limited agreement at present, but is continuing study of the matter. |
400 |
| Nov. 17 (61) | From the Chargé in Norway (tel.) Views of a Norwegian businessman on his country’s position regarding the whale oil tax and early trade negotiations with United States. |
400 |
| Dec. 3 (30) | To the Chargé in Norway (tel.) Advice that a negative reply has been given to the Norwegian Minister regarding early negotiations for a limited trade agreement. |
401 |
POLAND
Representations Against Harsh Treatment of American Citizens Arrested in Poland for Alleged Violation of Polish Foreign Currency Regulations
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1936 Apr. 27 (33) | From the Ambassador in Poland (tel.) Advice that exchange restrictions in form of control transactions in gold and foreign currencies have been instituted; information on regulations regarding foreign exchange operations. |
402 |
| July 18 (37) | To the Chargé in Poland (tel.) Instructions to protest against the harsh treatment accorded to Zarzycki and Pulmanowski, two American citizens imprisoned for alleged violations of Polish exchange regulations, and to bring about their immediate release. |
402 |
| July 23 (67) | From the Chargé in Poland (tel.) Advice that border officials have been instructed to administer regulations less rigidly. |
403 |
| 1936 July 28 (42) | To the Chargé in Poland (tel.) Instructions to cable immediately whether Zarzycki and Pulmanowski have been released and their property returned; to protest against the harsh treatment accorded to Mrs. Nadler Haber, and to report all cases in which U. S. citizens are imprisoned in connection with exchange restrictions. |
404 |
| July 29 (70) | From the Chargé in Poland (tel.) Release of Zarzycki and Pulmanowski; action in the Haber case. |
404 |
| July 30 (71) | From the Chargé in Poland (tel.) Information on instructions given by the Foreign Office to customs officials and courts in order to afford U. S. travelers the relief requested by the Department. |
405 |
| Aug. 26 (79) | From the Chargé in Poland (tel.) Advice from Foreign Office that the matter of arrests of American travelers will be discussed by the Council of Ministers; information on the Galewska case. |
405 |
| Aug. 26 (51) | To the Chargé in Poland (tel.) Instructions to submit full information on the Atkinson and all other cases involving Americans that have arisen under exchange regulations, and to make verbal and written representations to the Foreign Minister. |
406 |
| Aug. 27 | Memorandum by the Secretary of
State Forceful representations to the Polish Chargé” against the arrest and imprisonment of American citizens either not guilty or entirely ignorant of any violation of Polish law; Chargé’s promise of cooperation. |
407 |
| Aug. 29 (83) | From the Chargé in Poland (tel.) Representations to the Foreign Minister, who expressed regret, mentioned steps taken to remedy the situation, and promised study of an aide-mémoire left with him. |
409 |
| Aug. 31 (58) | To the Chargé in Poland (tel.) Instructions relative to the Galewska case, objecting to the unreasonable punishment accorded an American citizen for a minor technical infraction of the Polish law. |
410 |
| Sept. 1 (86) | From the Chargé in Poland (tel.) Account of strong protests to the Foreign Office and of steps which the Foreign Office has taken and will take to ameliorate the situation. |
411 |
| Sept. 9 (1281) | From the Chargé in Poland Transmittal of copy of a circular instruction issued by the Foreign Office to Polish diplomatic and consular officers abroad, providing that requirements of Polish foreign currency regulations be stamped into passports of persons applying for a Polish visa. |
411 |
| Oct. 12 (1324) | From the Chargé in Poland Polish reply, dated October 9 (text printed), to the aide-mémoire left with the Foreign Minister on August 29, expressing regret at treatment of Americans in connection with the exchange regulations, indicating that Polish regulations were violated, and explaining steps taken to inform foreigners of regulations. |
412 |
Discrimination Against American Bondholders in Connection With Partial Defaults and Suspensions of Payments on Various Polish Obligations
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1936 June 12 (1171) | From the Chargé in Poland Résumé of the difficulties anticipated by Poland with regard to future payments on its obligations held in the United States. Reference to forthcoming visit of two Polish experts to United States to explain situation to “the interested parties.” |
414 |
| June 27 (33) | To the Chargé in Poland (tel.) Request for information regarding a press report indicating Poland’s intention to continue in full all payments due in Great Britain, as the trade balance between the two countries is favorable to Poland. |
416 |
| July 2 (1193) | From the Chargé in Poland Résumé of a conversation with the Finance Minister, who said that no decision had been made on a transfer to Great Britain of payments due in October, and that no transfer had been made to France, when payment fell due on June 22. |
417 |
| Nov. 27 (329) | To the Ambassador in Poland Understanding that certain payments have been made in other countries; instructions to make representations regarding discrimination against U. S. holders of Polish obligations, and to obtain assurances that U. S. bondholders will receive the same treatment accorded to holders in other countries. |
419 |
PORTUGAL
Discussions Between the United States and Portugal of a Possible Exchange of Notes Providing for Most-Favored-Nation Treatment With Respect to Shipping
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1936 Apr. 11 | To the Portuguese Minister Summary of U. S. general commercial policy, and proposal that negotiations be initiated looking toward conclusion of a modus vivendi, similar to an enclosed draft, which would replace the Commercial Arrangement of 1910. |
421 |
| Apr. 14 | From the Portuguese Minister Advice that draft proposal will be forwarded to Portugal without delay. (Footnote: Information that discussions were renewed in 1938.) |
422 |
RUMANIA
Protection Afforded Patent Interests of the Universal Oil Products Company Against Infringement and Annulment in Rumania
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1936 Jan. 3 (40) | From the Minister in Rumania Report regarding recent Legation action to protect the Universal Oil Products Company against infringement and annulment of four patents, which competing companies charged had not been “exploited” within the 4-year period legally stipulated. |
423 |
| 1936 Feb. 22 (56) | From the Minister in Rumania Supplementary report indicating further difficulties encountered by the company and additional action taken by the Legation to protect its interests. |
429 |
| May 29 (95) | From the Minister in Rumania Further efforts to safeguard patents; company’s hopeful attitude prior to issuance on May 4 of a Royal Decree annulling all four patents. Company’s plans to try to have patents reinstated. |
432 |
| Nov. 30 (205) | From the Minister in Rumania Developments leading to the hope that three of the four patents will be reinstated. (Footnote: Information regarding partially successful termination of the patent matter.) |
434 |
SPAIN
The Spanish Civil War
i. international political aspects
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1936 July 14 (1193) | From the Ambassador in Spain Recent developments, aggravating the serious political situation, and rumors of a possible military coup d’état engineered by Right extremists. Indication that seriousness of situation is fully recognized by the Government. (Footnote: Information that the Ambassador had moved to San Sebastián on July 10, and that Third Secretary of Embassy Eric C. Wendelin was in charge of Madrid Embassy.) |
437 |
| July 18 (45) | From the Ambassador in Spain (tel.) Advice from Wendelin that coup d’état is planned for July 18. |
440 |
| July 18 (5) | From the Diplomatic Agent and Consul General at
Tangier (tel.) Report that a revolt of Spanish troops is spreading throughout Spanish Morocco; that the movement is not believed to be Monarchist but anti-Government. |
440 |
| July 19 | From the Diplomatic Agent and Consul General at
Tangier (tel.) Control of entire Spanish Zone by anti-Government forces directed by General Franco; coordination of movement in Morocco and Spain, where all of Andalusia is reported in hands of anti-Government forces. |
440 |
| July 19 (46) | From the Ambassador in Spain (tel.) Unconfirmed reports of fighting in Spain; resignation of present government, and replacement of Prime Minister Quiroga by José Giral. Indication that as far as can be ascertained no American interests have suffered. |
441 |
| July 20 (48) | From the Counselor of Embassy in Spain (tel.) Advice that the revolutionary movement, supported by Fascists, and led by Generals Franco, Queipo de Llano, and Mola, has assumed large proportions; difficulty in ascertaining situation due to cut communication lines. |
442 |
| 1936 July 21 (49) | From the Counselor of Embassy in Spain (tel.) Résumé of the dangerous situation prevailing in San Sebastián. Advice that no definite information is obtainable as to success of revolutionary movement in most parts of Spain; that a telegram from the Madrid Embassy (text printed) indicates revolt there has been quelled by loyal Government forces. |
443 |
| July 21 (8) | From the Diplomatic Agent and Consul General at
Tangier (tel.) General Franco’s threats to bomb Tangier harbor if Spanish warships are refueled there; suggestion to Vacuum Oil Co. to decline deliveries until it is known that such deliveries do not violate the neutrality provisions of the Tangier Statute. Request for instructions. |
444 |
| July 22 (9) | From the Diplomatic Agent and Consul General at
Tangier (tel.) Bombing of harbor by Franco planes following the refueling of Spanish warships. Intention to convey protest to Franco concerning a bomb explosion near U. S. steamer Exmouth in Gibraltar Straits. Control Committee’s decision that presence and refueling of war vessels in Tangier harbor violates statutory neutrality. |
445 |
| July 22 (7) | To the Diplomatic Agent and Consul General at
Tangier (tel.) Approval of suggestion to Vacuum Oil Co., and opinion that repeated refueling of Spanish war vessels at Tangier during the present uprising would violate the provisions of article 3 of the Tangier Statute. |
445 |
| July 24 (10) | From the Diplomatic Agent and Consul General at
Tangier (tel.) Delivery of U. S. protest against the Exmouth bombing to Franco by the British Consul at Tetuan, who also protested against similar incidents involving British merchantmen; Franco’s promise to prevent recurrence of incidents. |
446 |
| July 25 (291) | From the Chargé in Italy (tel.) Italian concern over the uprising in Spain, and the threat of Bolshevism in the West; their readiness to send more vessels into Spanish waters to assist in the relief of foreign nationals. Evidence of harmonious relationship between Italy and Germany. |
447 |
| July 27 (668) | From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Various factors leading to the decision of the Blum Government not to supply arms and munitions to the Madrid Government. |
447 |
| Undated [Rec’d July 29] | From Señor Miguel Cabanellas (tel.) Formation of a new Spanish government at Burgos under the title of Committee of National Defense, with Miguel Cabanellas as president of the Committee; expression of desire for friendly relations with United States. (Footnote: No reply was made to this telegram.) |
449 |
| Undated [Rec’d July 30] | From the Ambassador in Spain (tel.) Evacuation of Americans desiring to leave. French dispatch of airplanes, on order before the outbreak of fighting, to the Madrid Government; German dispatch of planes to the insurgents; unsuccessful German attempt to land armed forces at San Sebastián. |
450 |
| 1936 July 31 (696) | From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Blum’s explanation before the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee of considerations leading to the decision not to ship war materials to Spain. French consideration of a proposal to Great Britain and Italy to join a formal nonintervention commitment. |
450 |
| July 31 (177) | From the Chargé in the Soviet Union (tel.) Denial by a Foreign Office spokesman (substance printed) of any action which might be considered an interference in Spanish affairs. Sympathetic attitude of the Soviet press toward Spanish Government. |
452 |
| Aug. 1 (307) | From the Chargé in Italy (tel.) Italian concern over alleged French assistance to the Madrid Government in the present conflict, regarded as one between Bolshevism and Fascism. Italian denial of offer by Franco of the cession of Ceuta in exchange for Italian assistance. |
453 |
| Aug. 2 (705) | From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Discussion of the Spanish situation by the Council of Ministers, August 1, followed by issuance of a communiqué regarding strict observance of nonintervention policy. |
454 |
| Aug. 3 (1006) | From the Minister in Portugal Evidence of Portugal’s sympathetic attitude toward the revolutionary movement although the revolutionary junta under Cabanellas at Burgos has not been recognized. |
456 |
| Aug. 3 (61) | From the Chargé in Belgium (tel.) Foreign Office explanation that, although no permit is required to export arms to Spain, none have been shipped; its intention to await outcome of French nonintervention proposal before deciding on question of prohibiting shipments. |
457 |
| Aug. 4 | Memorandum by the Secretary of
State Information from French Chargé” concerning a French proposal to Great Britain and Italy to remain entirely aloof from the Spanish internal situation by maintaining an attitude of nonintervention; U. S. attitude on the doctrine of nonintervention. |
457 |
| Aug. 4 (30) | From the Minister in Portugal (tel.) Vacuum Oil Co. representative’s request for opinion on sale of aviation gasoline to the insurgents through third parties; advice to refer his company directly to the Department. |
458 |
| Aug. 4 (62) | From the Chargé in Belgium (tel.) Forthcoming issuance of a decree requiring licenses for the export of arms; Government’s intention to refuse any licenses for the exportation of arms to Spain or any territory near Spain. |
458 |
| Aug. 4 (716) | From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Excerpts from a despatch from Hallett Johnson at St. Jean de Luz, reporting his opinion that Left extremists are gaining the upper hand, and that danger threatens foreigners if strict neutrality of foreign nations is not maintained. |
459 |
| Aug. 4 (311) | From the Chargé in Italy (tel.) French Ambassador’s presentation to Ciano of a proposal whereby France, Great Britain, and Italy would maintain strict neutrality in the Spanish conflict, and of a statement refuting the allegation that France was rendering assistance to the Madrid Government; French Ambassador’s impression that this démarche was not welcome. |
460 |
| 1936 Aug. 4 (178) | From the Chargé in the Soviet Union (tel.) Advice that Soviet press and leaders are openly showing their sympathy for the Spanish Government; report on mass demonstrations and collection of funds “for the assistance of the fighters.” |
461 |
| Aug. 5 (244) | From the Chargé in Germany (tel.) Résumé of a conversation at the Foreign Office, during which the French nonintervention proposal was discussed, and officials seemed disturbed regarding safety and evacuation of 1200 Germans still remaining in Madrid. |
462 |
| Aug. 5 (314) | From the Chargé in Italy (tel.) Further information relative to the French proposal, and existence of speculation that Italy’s delay of reply may be due to consultation with Germany. |
463 |
| Aug. 5 (720) | From the Chargé in France (tel.) Informal French inquiry as to views of the German, Belgian, Portuguese, Soviet, and Polish Governments regarding a declaration of nonintervention in Spain. Reports on alleged French and German intervention in Spain. |
464 |
| Aug. 6 (316) | From the Chargé in Italy (tel.) Information on Italian oral reply to the French proposal, including agreement in principle to nonintervention but raising various questions as to scope and implementation. Press reports of instances of intervention in Spain. |
466 |
| Aug. 6 (726) | From the Chargé in France (tel.) Foreign Minister’s indication that France has proof of Italian and German assistance to the insurgents, and his belief that these countries would receive certain territories if insurgents are successful; his clarification of French nonintervention attitude. |
467 |
| Aug. 7 | Memorandum by the Acting Secretary of
State Advice from French Chargé of progress toward a nonintervention agreement, and his presentation of a draft declaration (text printed) which has been submitted to the interested governments. |
469 |
| Aug. 7 (16) | From the Diplomatic Agent and Consul General at
Tangier (tel.) Franco’s ultimatum, threatening occupation of Tangier Zone unless the Spanish war sloop Tofino departs from harbor. Refusal of a Spanish request for intervention on grounds that the U. S. Government is not a party to the Tangier Convention. |
470 |
| Aug. 7 | To All Consulates in Spain (circ. tel.) Restatement of U. S. policy of noninterference with internal affairs in other countries. (Sent also to Madrid, Lisbon, Tangier, and to the Ambassador at St. Jean de Luz.) |
471 |
| Aug. 8 (55) | From the Ambassador in Spain, Then in France
(tel.) Advice that XL S. diplomats in Spain have been acting in conformity with U. S. policy as set forth in Department’s circular telegram; comment on a Spanish editorial on neutrality. |
471 |
| Aug. 8 (X–37) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Advice that necessity for a completely impartial attitude has been urged on all Americans in Madrid. |
472 |
| 1936 Aug. 8 (320) | From the Chargé in Italy (tel.) Italian receipt of the French draft declaration of nonintervention in Spain, which does not appear to meet Italian views. Foreign Office information that no decision has been made to land troops in Spain for protection of nationals. Official concern over growth of Communism in Europe. |
472 |
| Aug. 10 | Memorandum by the Assistant Chief of the Division of
Western European Affairs to the Acting Secretary of
Slate Information from a French Embassy official on a plan for protection of the Diplomatic Corps in Madrid, and on reception by the various Governments of the French neutrality proposal. |
474 |
| Aug. 10 | Memorandum by the Assistant Chief of the Office of
Arms and Munitions Control Inquiry by an official of the Glenn L. Martin Co. as to Department’s attitude toward the sale of eight bombing planes to the Spanish Government, contracted for in February. |
474 |
| Aug. 10 | To the Glenn L. Martin Company, Baltimore,
Maryland Transmittal of a copy of the circular telegram of August 7 referring to U. S. nonintervention policy, and indication that sale of airplanes would not follow the spirit of that policy. (Footnote: Substance of this letter communicated to Embassies in United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain.) |
475 |
| Aug. 10 (738) | From the Chargé in France (tel.) Comment on a French communiqué renewing declaration of nonintervention, but pointing out that, contrary to the impression of communiqué of August 1, certain deliveries of “unarmed” planes had been permitted; leftist opposition to decision leading to issuance of communiqué. |
476 |
| Aug. 10 (304) | To the Chargé in France (tel.) Request for information on a press report that France is preparing to invite the United States to adhere to the proposed nonintervention pact. (Similar telegram to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom.) |
477 |
| Aug. 11 | Memorandum by the Acting Secretary of
State Conversation with the French Chargé who said that the press reports were incorrect, and was informed of U. S. position as stated in circular telegram of August 7. |
478 |
| Aug. 11 (740) | From the Chargé in France (tel.) Information from Foreign Office that there was no intention to “invite” the United States to participate in the proposed nonintervention pact, but that they would be pleased if the United States wished to do so. |
479 |
| Aug. 11 (393) | From the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (tel.) Advice that French Embassy has no information on matter of invitation, but that another source indicates that the German Foreign Minister considers U. S. adherence essential to make nonintervention effective. |
479 |
| Aug. 11 (327) | From the Chargé in Italy (tel.) Understanding as to Italian favorable view of the French proposal, with suggestions to extend it to forbid sending of funds and volunteers. |
480 |
| 1936 Aug. 11 (251) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) German attitude favoring absolute neutrality; prevalent conviction that Italy will remain neutral; widespread diplomatic feeling that there is no real leadership on either side in Spain. |
480 |
| Aug. 12 (29) | From the Minister in the Netherlands (tel.) Netherland assurances to France that, pending conclusion of a collective agreement, permission will not be given for export or transit of arms and ammunition to Spain. |
481 |
| Aug. 12 (X–48) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Confirmation by French Government representative of arrival of French planes and pilots at Madrid for use of the Spanish Government. |
481 |
| Aug. 12 (6) | From the Consul at Seville (tel.) Fall of Merida; arrival of German and Italian military planes and pilots; military objectives of the insurgents. |
481 |
| Undated [Rec’d Aug. 14] (0013) | From Naval Communications (tel.) Arrival of planes from France with French, Italian, German, and other foreign pilots, allegedly bound for Barcelona and Madrid. |
482 |
| Aug. 14 (756) | From the Chargé in France (tel.) Discussion in the Council of Ministers regarding the wisdom of continuing present Spanish policy in view of German and Italian assistance to insurgents; French reply to Italian suggestions on private subscriptions and recruiting of volunteers. |
482 |
| Aug. 14 (254) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Unwillingness of Foreign Office to acquiesce in neutrality agreement until a sequestered German plane and crew (used for the evacuation of Germans) is released, and the execution of four Germans near Barcelona has been investigated. |
483 |
| Undated [Rec’d Aug. 14] (0014) | From Naval Communications (tel.) Account of evidences of German shipments of arms and munitions to the Spanish Fascists. |
484 |
| Aug. 15 (335) | From the Chargé in Italy (tel.) Difficulties of French Ambassador in his negotiations with Italy regarding the declaration of nonintervention in Spain, due to Italy’s insistence that collection of funds and enlistment of men on foreign territories be specifically prohibited. |
484 |
| Aug. 15 (401) | From the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (tel.) Accuracy of a press report that the British Government has appealed to British firms and private owners to refrain from sending civil planes to either side in Spain. |
485 |
| Aug. 17 (1018) | From the Minister in Portugal Detailed account of Portuguese negotiations relative to the French-British invitation to adhere to the nonintervention proposal, and acceptance in principle with certain reservations. |
485 |
| Aug. 17 (66) | From the Ambassador in Spain, Then in France
(tel.) Advice that a meeting of the Diplomatic Corps has been called by the Argentine Ambassador, Dean of the Corps, to consider mediation in the Civil War; reasons for disinclination to attend, and request for instructions. |
488 |
| 1936 Aug. 17 | To the Ambassador in Spain, Then in France (tel.) Instructions not to attend the proposed meeting. |
488 |
| Aug. 17 (32) | From the Minister in Uruguay (tel.) Information that the Foreign Minister on August 15 addressed American states suggesting mediation of the Spanish situation; press comments. |
489 |
| Aug. 17 (760) | From the Chargé in France (tel.) Conversation with the Spanish Ambassador, who was not very hopeful regarding the situation; his reasons for not expecting anything useful from the French initiative for a nonintervention pact. |
489 |
| Aug. 17 | To the Diplomatic Representatives in Argentina,
Brazil, Chile, and Mexico (circ.
tel.) Instructions to seek an interview with the Foreign Minister with reference to the Uruguayan suggestion for mediation, indicating U. S. interest in any comment or views he may care to express. |
490 |
| Aug. 17 | From the Uruguayan Minister Telegraphic despatch, dated August 15, from the Foreign Minister (text printed), suggesting that mediation be offered to Spain by the American countries, which might act jointly either in Washington within the Pan American Union, or in any other American capital. Request for U. S. views. |
490 |
| Aug. 18 (1814) | From the Chargé in the Soviet
Union Transmittal of an announcement in Pravda, setting forth the Soviet reply to the French nonintervention proposal; comment on Soviet willingness to participate, with two reservations. |
491 |
| Aug. 18 (164) | From the Chargé in Argentina (tel.) Foreign Minister’s objections to the Uruguayan mediation proposal, but willingness to join in an appeal for the cessation of fighting in the name of humanity. |
492 |
| Aug. 18 (336) | From the Chargé in Italy (tel.) Urgent representations by the French Ambassador and the British Chargé” that Italy join in the nonintervention proposal, pointing out possible consequences of delay; Foreign Minister’s denial of ulterior motives in Italy’s policy toward Spain. |
493 |
| Aug. 18 (257) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) DNB communiqué (text printed) relative to German position taken in reply to the French proposal; Italian Embassy comments on difficulties connected with the Spanish situation. |
493 |
| Aug. 18 k (85) | From the Ambassador in Chile (tel.) Foreign Minister’s view that the Uruguayan mediation proposal would lead to no satisfactory result; Spanish Minister’s belief that Spain would reject mediation. |
494 |
| Aug. 18 (145) | From the Ambassador in Mexico (tel.) Information from Foreign Minister that his Government could not support the Uruguayan proposal, because it could not meddle in internal affairs of any country. |
495 |
| Aug. 19 (34) | From the Minister in Uruguay (tel.) Foreign Minister’s additional statement to the press (text printed) concerning his proposal for mediation to end the Spanish Civil War. |
495 |
| 1936 Aug. 19 (184) | From the Ambassador in Brazil (tel.) Brazil’s unwillingness to participate in mediation unless all the countries of the New World accept the idea. |
496 |
| Aug. 19 (70) | From the Ambassador in Spain, Then in France
(tel.) Information that the matter of mediation was not discussed at the Diplomatic Corps meeting because of general objections. |
497 |
| Aug. 19 (338) | From the Chargé in Italy (tel.) Foreign Office denial of a news report that Italy is giving aid to “Spanish Fascists”. Rumors of aviation activities near Genoa, in Sardinia, and at base of Orbetello. |
497 |
| Aug. 20 | To the Uruguayan Minister U. S. inability to accept the suggestion to participate in any offer of mediation in the Spanish conflict. |
498 |
| Aug. 20 (69) | From the Chargé in Belgium (tel.) Issuance of a new Belgian decree requiring a license from the Ministry of Economic Affairs for the export from Belgium or the shipment in transit of arms, munitions of war, or material adapted to use in war. |
499 |
| Aug. 20 (20) | From the Diplomatic Agent and Consul General at
Tangier (tel.) Resident General’s request for the validation of a dahir of August 17, including petroleum products and certain other commodities among prohibited war supplies; recommendation of acceptance with usual reservations. (Footnote: Approval given on August 24.) |
499 |
| Aug. 20 (339) | From the Chargé in Italy (tel.) French Ambassador’s impression that progress is being made in negotiations with Italy pertaining to nonintervention; Foreign Minister’s critical view of German reply to the French formula; report on press treatment of the nonintervention matter. |
500 |
| Aug. 20 (259) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Foreign Office communiqué (text printed) relative to Spanish search of the German steamer Kamerun outside the Spanish sovereignty zone. Evidence that press censorship has given the press more leeway with regard to criticism of the French Government, although the main diatribe is directed against Russia. |
501 |
| Aug. 20 (776) | From the Chargé in France (tel.) Account of a conversation with Premier Blum’s Chef de Cabinet, during which the attitude of various countries toward the Spanish Civil War was discussed and the matter of nonintervention considered. |
502 |
| Aug. 20 (148) | From the Ambassador in Mexico (tel.) Information from the Foreign Minister that the Mexican Government is sending munitions, manufactured in Mexico, to the Spanish Government. |
505 |
| Aug. 20 (406) | From the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (tel.) Foreign Office support of the French proposal for banning arms exports to Spain, and hope that the British declaration of a complete arms embargo will have persuasive value in determining favorable action at Rome and Berlin, |
506 |
| 1936 Aug. 22 (342) | From the Chargé in Italy (tel.) Principal points of the Italian reply to France on the matter of nonintervention in Spain, including Italy’s promise to give effect to a declaration of nonintervention as soon as France, Great Britain, Portugal, Germany, and the Soviet Union have adhered. |
507 |
| Aug. 22 (781) | From the Chargé in France (tel.) Belief of competent observers that the sympathies of high French military personnel are divided between the two sides in Spain. |
508 |
| Aug. 23 (21) | From the Diplomatic Agent and Consul General at
Tangier (tel.) Expectation that the French will press for prohibitions in the Tangier Zone similar to those indicated for the French Zone in telegram No. 20 of August 20. |
509 |
| Aug. 24 (0024) | From the Ambassador in Spain, Then in France
(tel.) Calling of another meeting of the Diplomatic Corps by the Argentine Ambassador to propose exchange of civilian prisoners; decision not to attend, and request for instructions. |
509 |
| Aug. 24 (261) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Press report announcing German decision to put an arms embargo in force. |
509 |
| Aug. 24 (345) | From the Chargé in Italy (tel.) Satisfaction in French and British circles with Italian reply to the nonintervention proposal; French Ambassador’s explanation as to why only European states were to be asked to adhere to the proposal. |
510 |
| Aug. 25 (76) | From the Ambassador in Spain, Then in France
(tel.) Diplomatic Corps’ plan to offer to the Spanish Government mediation in the matter of civilian prisoners and the shelling of open cities. |
511 |
| Aug. 25 (788) | From the Chargé in France (tel.) French relief over German decision to ban exportation of arms to Spain, tempered, however, by a second German decision to increase the term of compulsory military service. French consideration of possibility of a public appeal by all nations for abatement of the savage character of Spanish warfare, such as the execution of prisoners. |
511 |
| Aug. 25 (B–6) | To the Ambassador in Spain, Then in France (tel.) Approval of decision not to attend Diplomatic Corps meeting; attendance at future meetings left to Ambassador’s discretion. |
512 |
| Aug. 27 (34) | From the Minister in Portugal (tel.) Portuguese publication of a decree prohibiting exportation or transit of arms and munitions of war to Spain. |
512 |
| Aug. 27 (22) | From the Diplomatic Agent and Consul General at
Tangier (tel.) Advice that no action has been taken relative to acceptance of the oil dahir, due to certain difficulties. |
513 |
| Aug. 28 (348) | From the Chargé in Italy (tel.) Italian issuance of a communiqué stating that measures have been adopted prohibiting exportation, reexportation, and transit to Spain and the Spanish possessions of arms, munitions, and war material, as well as airplanes and war vessels. |
513 |
| 1936 Aug. 28 (B–10) | To the Ambassador in Spain, Then in France (tel.) Information from the French Ambassador that his Government is giving serious consideration to the Diplomatic Corps’ proposed appeal to both factions in Spain “to stop wholesale assassinations of civilians” by bombing open cities; request for certain information. |
513 |
| Aug. 28 (23) | From the Diplomatic Agent and Consul General at
Tangier (tel.) Protest against French Zone dahir of August 17 by de facto Spanish authorities at Tetuán. Suggestion for draft of U. S. note of acquiescence (substance printed). |
514 |
| Aug. 29 (197) | From the Chargé” in the Soviet Union (tel.) Report of and comments on an exchange of notes on August 23 between Foreign Minister Litvinov and the French Chargé with regard to nonintervention in Spain. |
515 |
| Aug. 29 | From the Consul at Bordeaux (tel.) Account of visit to practically all land frontier posts between France and Spain, during which no evidence was found, except possibly at Hendaye, to indicate that the French are sending supplies to the Spanish Government or the insurgents. |
516 |
| Aug. 29 | From the Vice Consul at Vigo (tel.) Advice that the insurgent army claims progress on all fronts, domination of three-fourths of the national territory, and two-thirds of the population. Arrival of Italian planes and aviators, and of two German vessels loaded with “pineapples and grapes.” |
517 |
| Aug. 29 (79) | From the Ambassador in Spain, Then in France
(tel.) Diplomatic Corps’ proposal to offer to the Government intercession on behalf of civilian prisoners, ask for cessation of shelling unprotected cities, and for protection of national monuments and works of art; comment on the proposal, in which U. S. Embassy has not participated, and possibility of its being submitted also to the insurgent leaders. |
517 |
| Aug. 31 (199) | From the Chargé in the Soviet Union (tel.) Tass announcement in Izvestia in connection with the coming into force of the notes exchanged between the U. S. S. R. and France on noninterference in Spanish affairs. |
518 |
| Sept. 1 (X–116) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Evacuation of Italian and German Embassies to Alicante; arrival of Soviet Ambassador in Madrid. |
519 |
| Sept. 1 (B–14) | To the Ambassador in Spain, Then in France (tel.) Press report regarding proposals by members of the Diplomatic Corps to the Spanish Government to humanize the civil war; request for text of the proposals in order to determine what U. S. action might be taken without deviating from nonintervention policy. |
519 |
| Sept. 1 (B–15) | To the Ambassador in Spain, Then in France (tel.) Request for information regarding procedure for presenting the Diplomatic Corps proposal to the insurgent leaders. |
520 |
| Sept. 2 (12) | To the Diplomatic Agent and Consul General at
Tangier (tel.) Advice that, in view of recent developments, the Department considers it unwise to acquiesce at the present time in the application of the dahir of August 17. |
520 |
| 1936 [Sept. 2] (89) | From the Ambassador in Spain, Then in France
(tel.) Telegram to the Foreign Minister (text printed) signed by the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and nine other Chiefs of Mission, proposing intercession with regard to conduct of the war. |
521 |
| Sept. 3 (91) | From the Ambassador in Spain, Then in France
(tel.) Foreign Minister’s reply (text printed) to the Diplomatic Corps’ telegram; opinion that reply seems a polite refusal; information on Corps’ contemplated actions. |
522 |
| Sept. 3 (B–17) | To the Ambassador in Spain, Then in France (tel.) Press despatch quoting the Argentine Ambassador as saying “that foreign diplomats were seeking a truce in Spain to prevent ‘a world war’”; request for information on future Corps discussions. |
523 |
| Sept. 4 (93) | From the Ambassador in Spain, Then in France
(tel.) Informal conversation at Corps meeting regarding what report would be given to the press if Government maintains its position. Intention to make certain suggestions at next meeting unless otherwise instructed. (Footnote: Instructions not to participate.) |
523 |
| Sept. 4 (357) | From the Chargé in Italy (tel.) Italian intention to send an additional cruiser to Barcelona as demonstration against the killing of a sixth Italian in Spain; reports circulating in press circles that a cruiser now proceeding to Barcelona has 125 infantrymen and Black Shirts aboard. |
524 |
| Sept. 5 (94) | From the Ambassador in Spain, Then in France
(tel.) French press reports of a Spanish Cabinet change with representation of all parties of the Popular Front. |
524 |
| Sept. 5 (359) | From the Chargé in Italy (tel.) Increased alarm in press over Popular Front demonstrations in France, attributed to Nationalist victories in Spain and fear of a Cabinet crisis in France. Foreign Office reference to France as one country that has not put into effect the nonintervention agreement which she herself proposed. |
525 |
| Sept. 5 (835) | From the Chargé in France (tel.) Foreign Office communiqué denying allegations that the Government is not strictly living up to its embargo on export of war munitions to Spain. |
526 |
| Sept. 5 | From the Consul at Bilbao (tel.) Governor’s request that José del Rio, Government delegate, be evacuated to France aboard the destroyer Kane in order to meet with an insurgent delegate to arrange exchange of prisoners. Request for authorization. |
526 |
| Sept. 6 | To the Consul at Bilbao (tel.) Request for further information as to Del Rio’s mission, with stress on importance of adherence to policy of noninterference in Spanish internal affairs. |
526 |
| Sept. 6 (X–127) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Conversation with the Soviet Ambassador, who said that his appointment was intended to demonstrate Soviet moral support of the Spanish Government, and who commented on assistance to the insurgents by two European countries. |
527 |
| 1936 Sept. 8 (38) | From the Minister in Uruguay (tel.) Foreign Minister’s announcement that he will postpone official mediation negotiations in the Spanish situation until a more suitable opportunity arises; his recommendation that the Uruguayan Minister at Washington continue conversations privately. |
528 |
| Sept. 8 | From the Consul at Bilbao (tel.) Information that Del Rio’s mission is unofficial and was arranged by two bishops, with Government permission to leave for France. |
528 |
| Sept. 11 (430) | From the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (tel.) Comments regarding the forthcoming London meeting of the International Committee for the Application of the Nonintervention Agreement, and reasons for rortugaPs nonparticipation. |
529 |
| Sept. 14 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Mexican
Affairs Mexican Ambassador’s inquiry concerning the sale by American firms of arms and munitions to the Mexican Government for reshipment to the Spanish Government. |
530 |
| Sept. 15 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Mexican
Affairs Oral reply to the Mexican Ambassador, pointing out that U. S. position on arms shipments to Spain is well known, and that there is no intention of departing from it. |
531 |
| Sept. 18 (X–155) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Statement to the press by Minister of State Del Vayo, prior to his departure for Geneva, expressing absolute confidence that the Government would conquer the rebellion. |
531 |
| Sept. 22 (X–164) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Summary of a five-point note from the Foreign Office enclosing copies of notes addressed to the Governments of Germany, Italy, and Portugal protesting against military aid furnished to the insurgents; information that identical notes were sent to all other governments maintaining relations with the Spanish Government. |
532 |
| Sept. 25 (354) | From the Consul at Geneva (tel.) Account of Del Vayo’s vigorous plea in the League of Nations Assembly for a better understanding of his Government’s position. |
533 |
| Sept. 28 (363) | From the Consul at Geneva (tel.) Information that the Spanish delegation to the League has submitted to the Secretary General documentary evidence of violations of the nonintervention agreement by Germany, Italy, and Portugal. (Footnote: Publication of the evidence by the Spanish Government on September 30.) |
534 |
| Oct. 4 (11) | From the Consul at Seville (tel.) Advice that Franco was named Chief of the Spanish State and Commander in Chief of the national armies by the National Defense Council, at Burgos in a decree of September 29; his promulgation of a law on October 2 organizing the new Spanish state along totalitarian lines. |
534 |
| 1936 Oct. 9 (236) | From the Chargé in the Soviet Union (tel.) Résumé of considerations responsible for a Soviet note of October 7 to the International Committee on Non-intervention in Spain. |
535 |
| Oct. 10 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Protocol
and Conferences Résumé of a conversation between the Secretary and the newly appointed Spanish Ambassador, who spoke at length of the difficulties in his country as a struggle between two different theories of government, and asked for U. S. aid; Secretary’s detailed reply. |
536 |
| Oct. 10 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Protocol
and Conferences Secretary’s statement relative to an incident involving a Department official, that the Department had no intention of restricting the freedom of speech of members of foreign missions on subjects concerning their own countries. |
538 |
| Oct. 12 (991) | From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Foreign Minister’s indication that, despite the Soviet démarche (referred to in telegram No. 236, October 9, from the Chargé in the Soviet Union), France will not abandon its attitude of absolute neutrality; his comments on the Soviet attitude. |
539 |
| Oct. 17 (248) | From the Chargé in the Soviet Union (tel.) Press reports indicating that the Soviet Union is preparing to denounce the international nonintervention agreement on the ground that Italy, Germany, and Portugal are systematically violating it; Foreign Office comments. |
539 |
| Oct. 23 | From the Consul at Gibraltar (tel.) Arrival of an Italian ship with veterans of the Ethiopian campaign en route to Tangier and Casablanca, and Spaniards en route to Seville to join Franco’s forces; movement of Moorish troops into Spain. |
540 |
| Oct. 24 | Memorandum by the Special Assistant to the Secretary
of State and Chief of the Division of Western European
Affairs Information from the Portuguese Minister that Portugal has broken off diplomatic relations with the Spanish Government, and explanation of reasons. |
541 |
| Oct. 24 (256) | From the Chargé in the Soviet Union (tel.) Violent Soviet press attacks on Germany, Italy, and Portugal for their alleged violation of the nonintervention agreement; comments on an ambiguous statement made by the Soviet Ambassador in London. |
541 |
| Oct. 28 | To the Ambassador in France (circ. tel.) Department’s desire to keep informed of French attitude toward recognition of the Spanish insurgents either as belligerents or as a government. Instructions to repeat mutatis mutandis to Embassies at London, Berlin, and Rome. |
542 |
| Oct. 29 (X–261) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Observation of a new note of optimism in press and public, as well as improvement in Government morale, seemingly due to arrival of reinforcements, supplies, and war material, and the belief that insurgents do not have sufficient forces to capture Madrid. |
543 |
| 1936 Oct. 29 (436) | From the Ambassador in Italy (tel.) Indications pointing to early recognition of the Burgos government if Madrid should fall; Italian interest in Catalonia; press comment on Soviet intervention in Spain. |
544 |
| Oct. 29 (2615) | From the Ambassador in the United
Kingdom Soviet Ambassador’s clarification of his Government’s position, given at recent London meeting of the International Committee for Non-intervention in Spain; information on other questions discussed at the meeting. |
545 |
| Oct. 31 (1069) | From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Unlikelihood of any French action regarding recognition of a state of belligerency; French belief that Germany and Italy will recognize the Spanish insurgents after the capture of Madrid, but that the British will go more slowly. |
547 |
| Oct. 31 (439) | From the Ambassador in Italy (tel.) Information from Ciano that Italy and Germany would recognize the Franco government as soon as it entered Madrid, and that the two countries were in accord concerning the prevention of the setting up of any Communist regime in the Mediterranean. |
548 |
| Nov. 2 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Near
Eastern Affairs Italian Ambassador’s observations on the menace of Communism in Europe, and on the importance of preventing the establishment of a Communist regime in Spain or in any portion of it. |
549 |
| Nov. 3 (321) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Italian Embassy’s views on question of Italy’s recognition of the Franco regime, and on the importance of preventing establishment of a Soviet regime in the Mediterranean. |
549 |
| Nov. 4 (511) | From the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (tel.) Foreign Office search for a “middle ground”, in view of the readiness of Germany and Italy to recognize the Franco government. |
550 |
| Nov. 5 (131/02) | From the Spanish Embassy Telegram from the Spanish Government (text printed) containing the deposition of an Italian soldier, captured on the Madrid front, as proof that Italy is sending troops into Spain against their will. |
551 |
| Nov. 5 (X–281) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) List of members of the new Government formed on November 4, representing all parties and labor organizations supporting the Popular Front. |
552 |
| Nov. 6 (B–60) | To the Ambassador in Spain, Then in France (tel.) Appreciation of information which the Ambassador has been sending, and desire to be fully informed on the developments in the Spanish situation. |
552 |
| Nov. 8 (52) | From the Chargé in El Salvador (tel.) Recognition of the Burgos government by El Salvador. |
553 |
| Nov. 9 (76) | From the Chargé in Guatemala (tel.) Recognition of the Spanish insurgent government by Guatemala. |
553 |
| 1936 Nov. 9 | Memorandum by the Special Assistant to the Secretary
of State and Chief of the Division of Western European
Affairs Spanish Ambassador’s presentation of a telegram received from his Government (text printed) indicating decision to establish the capital temporarily at Valencia. Ambassador’s desire to be received by President Roosevelt in order to discuss certain matters with him. |
553 |
| Nov. 9 | From the Consul General at Barcelona (tel.) Description of a parade of radical organizations in honor of the Soviet anniversary of November 7. Reliable information that a Soviet steamer is discharging munitions of war at Barcelona; unverified reports on arrival of munitions in small lots from France. |
555 |
| Nov. 9 (153) | From the Ambassador in Spain, Then in France
(tel.) Comments on the Spanish situation, especially in respect to the question of recognition of the Franco government. |
555 |
| Nov. 10 (1099) | From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Foreign Office information that no change in the nonintervention policy toward Spain is under consideration. Comment on French maintenance of satisfactory relations with Spanish de facto authorities. |
557 |
| Nov. 18 (13) | From the Consul at Seville (tel.) Arrival of 1,200 Germans, rumored to be part of a contingent of 5,000 Germans who arrived at Cadiz on November 16. |
558 |
| Nov. 18 (471) | From the Ambassador in Italy (tel.) Italy’s recognition of the Franco government, and plan for opening diplomatic relations; information from Ciano that similar recognition has been given by Germany. |
558 |
| Nov. 19 | To the Spanish Ambassador Advice that an investigation of aleged illicit shipments of war materials from the United States to the Spanish insurgent forces will be made, and indication that no application had been made for a license necessary for legal shipment. |
558 |
| Nov. 19 (1131) | From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Foreign Office view that recognition of Franco by Italy and Germany before the capture of Madrid is intended as encouragement to the Nationalist forces. |
559 |
| Nov. 19 (545) | From the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (tel.) Foreign Office comment on the Spanish situation, and concern over developments; informant’s personal opinion that a loose federation of semi-autonomous states in Spain would be the best solution. |
560 |
| Nov. 19 (342) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Analysis of and comments on the situation following recognition of the Franco government by Germany and Italy. |
560 |
| Nov. 20 (548) | From the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (tel.) Foreign Secretary Eden’s replies to queries in the House of Commons, with regard to recognition of General Franco’s government and the effect it may have on the nonintervention policy. |
562 |
| 1936 Nov. 20 (1230) | From the Ambassador in Spain, Then in
France Comprehensive report on various influences and events connected with the Spanish Civil War, with summary of the situation as of November 18. |
563 |
| Nov. 20 (1109) | From the Minister in Portugal Probable reasons for Portugal’s delay in extending recognition to the Franco government. |
570 |
| No. 21 (345) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Observations on the appointment of General Von Faupel as Chargé” to the Franco government. |
571 |
| Nov. 23 (167) | From the Ambassador in Spain, Then in France
(tel.) Press report of the appearance in Cartagena waters of a number of submarines, probably Italian; radio report from the Kane of an apparent explosion on a Government cruiser in Cartagena harbor. |
571 |
| Nov. 24 (483) | From the Ambassador in Italy (tel.) Conversation with Ciano, who expressed the opinion that, despite delay, General Franco would certainly take Madrid; that there was no immediate danger of hostilities involved in the coming of Soviet supply shins; and that Italy was trying to save Western civilization from Communist domination. |
572 |
| Nov. 25 | Memorandum by the Special Assistant to the Secretary
of State and Chief of the Division of Western European Affairs of a
Conversation Between the Acting Secretary of State and the Spanish
Ambassador Spanish Ambassador’s transmittal of an official statement by the Spanish Government concerning the alleged activities of German and Italian war vessels in and near Spanish waters, and his comment on the extremely dangerous situation in Madrid; Acting Secretary’s statement that decision to remove U. S. nationals and officials to Valencia had been actuated solely by concern for the safety of American lives. |
572 |
| Nov. 25 (567) | From the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (tel.) Foreign Office admission that France dissuaded the British from granting belligerent rights to the Spanish warring factions, and general views on the situation in Spain. |
574 |
| Nov. 25 (1149) | From the Ambassador in France (tel.) French increasing fear of a general European war, and decision to propose to Great Britain united pressure on the Soviet Union on the one hand and Germany and Italy on the other to stop the incognito war they are fighting against each other in Spain. |
574 |
| Nov. 27 (14) | From the Consul at Seville (tel.) Arrival of 7,000 men and large amounts of military supplies at Cadiz, where traffic has been at a maximum due to visits of numerous German vessels. |
575 |
| Nov. 27 (235) | From the Chargé in Nicaragua (tel.) Information that Nicaraguan Government has sent to the Spanish Chargé in El Salvador its congratulations on the triumph of the new Spanish government and General Franco’s forces; Under Secretary’s statement that this is tantamount to recognition. |
576 |
| 1936 Nov. 27 (1157) | From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Résumé of a conversation with the Italian Ambassador regarding the Spanish situation, and impression that Mussolini has decided to give Franco all aid necessary to achieve victory. |
576 |
| Nov. 28 (483) | From the Consul at Geneva (tel.) Circulation of a Spanish note appealing to the League Council, under article 11 of the Covenant, to examine the situation created by recognition of the Franco government by Germany and Italy. |
577 |
| Nov. 28 (1160–1165) | From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Foreign Minister Delbos’ proposal for a French-British appeal to Germany, Italy, and the Soviet Union to stop all supplies to Spain, and to join in a proposal to Franco and the Madrid Government to accept immediate mediation; his opinion that, if the President of the United States should join in this démarche, the chances for success would be great. |
578 |
| Nov. 28 (496) | From the Ambassador in Italy (tel.) Information that 10,000 Black Shirt militiamen are being selected to be sent from Italy to aid the insurgent forces, in addition to machine gunners and Alpine infantry. |
582 |
| Nov. 29 (15) | From the Consul at Seville (tel.) Information from Hitler’s alleged chief agent in Spain that he had informed Franco that, due to his failure to take Madrid he must accept German direction of the campaign, else Germany would withdraw its war material. |
582 |
| Nov. 30 (487) | To the Ambassador in France (tel.) Opinion that matters reported in No. 1160, November 28, should remain in abeyance until the President’s return to Washington. |
583 |
| Dec. 1 (1178) | From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Conversation with Blum, who said he had received indications that the British Government would join the French in bringing pressure on the Italian, German, and Soviet Governments to stop all support of the warring factions in Spain and propose mediation. His inquiry if President Roosevelt could cooperate in the fields of reduction of economic barriers and disarmament. |
583 |
| Dec. 2 | From the Consul General at Barcelona (tel.) Information that increasing quantities of munitions and thousands of foreign volunteers are arriving from France. |
584 |
| Dec. 3 (593) | From the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (tel.) Foreign Office view that Germany is determined to secure success for the Franco forces, in contrast to the Soviets, who would be willing to seek their ultimate ends through less obvious means; Foreign Office comments in connection with the Non-Intervention Committee. |
585 |
| Dec. 4 (595) | From the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (tel.) Anglo-French agreement that the British and French Ambassadors at Rome, Berlin, and Moscow should approach those Governments asking their cooperation in an attempt to check the Spanish war; this attempt to take the form of representations by these five Governments to both the Madrid Government and the insurgents. |
585 |
| 1936 Dec. 4 (359) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Information from the British Embassy that 5,000 German “volunteers” had arrived at Seville on their way to join the Franco forces. Discussion of the matter of Germans fighting in Spain. |
586 |
| Dec. 4 | Memorandum by the Special Assistant to the Secretary
of State and Chief of the Division of Western European
Affairs British Ambassador’s transmittal of a message concerning Anglo-French representations (text printed) made to the Governments of Germany, Italy, the Soviet Union, and Portugal with a view to stopping arms shipments to Spain, and proposing mediation; his indication that great importance is attached to some American public statement in support of the Anglo-French démarche. |
587 |
| Dec. 5 | Memorandum by the Special Assistant to the Secretary
of State and Chief of the Division of Western European
Affairs Delivery of a message by the French Ambassador similar to the one submitted by the British Ambassador. |
589 |
| Dec. 5 (X–372) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Information from the Minister of State, prior to his departure for Geneva, that his Government would not seek foreign intervention at Geneva, but would limit itself to presenting evidence of illegal methods used by the insurgents in conduct of the war. |
590 |
| Dec. 5 (360) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Conversation with a Foreign Office official, who gave information of certain suggestions which had been made by the Nonintervention Committee in London and possible German attitude. |
591 |
| Dec. 7 (511) | From the Ambassador in Italy (tel.) Information regarding an Anglo-French joint communication to the Governments of Germany, Italy, the Soviet Union, and Portugal, urging them to stop shipment of war material to Spain, and suggesting mediation; Ciano’s unfavorable reception of proposal. |
592 |
| Dec. 7 | Memorandum by the Special Assistant to the Secretary
of State and Chief of the Division of Western European
Affairs Inquiry from the French Ambassador as to whether the Secretary had indicated his attitude relative to the Anglo-French mediation proposal. Receipt of a British memorandum (text printed) pointing out Latin American interest in mediation, indicating intention to give publicity to the Anglo-French initiative, and expressing hope for a statement by President Roosevelt. |
593 |
| Dec. 8 (178) | From the Ambassador in Spain, Then in France
(tel.) Report on the military situation by two war correspondents, returning from Burgos; indication that Salamanca resembles a German military camp. |
593 |
| Dec. 8 (361) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Advice that Foreign Office is completing its reply to the suggestions of the Non-intervention Committee (reported in telegram No. 360, December 5); conversation with officials who expressed sympathy with the proposal, but questioned its practicability. |
594 |
| 1936 Dec. 8 (1213) | From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Conversation with Delbos, who gave a summary of the replies to the Anglo-French démarche received from the Soviet Union, Germany, and Italy. |
594 |
| Dec. 8 (1217) | From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Résumé of a conversation with Foreign Office officials regarding the forthcoming Council Meeting at Geneva to consider the Spanish question; French preoccupation to prevent any action which might give the Germans and Italians an excuse for withdrawing from the London Non-intervention Committee. |
595 |
| Dec. 9 | Memorandum by the Special Assistant to the Secretary
of State and Chief of the Division of Western European
Affairs Information given to the British and French Ambassadors that, upon public announcement of the Anglo-French mediation proposal, the Acting Secretary will make a statement to the press, expressing hope for some solution to end the Spanish conflict. |
596 |
| Dec. 9 (512) | To the Ambassador in France (tel.) Advice that no action will be taken in support of the Anglo-French proposal until it is publicly announced. |
597 |
| Dec. 9 (600) | From the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (tel.) Résumé of a conversation with Eden, who said that the Anglo-French proposals would be announced today; his hope that the United States might subsequently issue a statement expressing a general blessing on efforts to end the Spanish conflict. |
597 |
| Dec. 9 (601) | From the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (tel.) Comments on the kind of U. S. statement Eden desires. Ambassador’s opinion that U. S. Government should exercise caution to avoid involvement, by implication, in the larger European issues. |
598 |
| Dec. 9 (1223) | From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Unfavorable attitude of Argentine Ambassador toward any attempt by his Government to intervene in Spain. |
599 |
| Dec. 10 (1240) | From the Ambassador in Spain, Then in
France Detailed report on the various aspects of the Spanish war, and comment on the wisdom of U. S. policy of neutrality and nonintervention. |
600 |
| Dec. 10 (X–384) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Expected landing on Mediterranean coast of an insurgent expeditionary force from Majorca, chiefly composed of foreigners and convoyed by German and Italian ships and air fleet; information that Government defense plans are placed in charge of a Russian General, employing international column troops. |
605 |
| Dec. 10 (517) | To the Ambassador in France (tel.) Statement to the press (text printed) following a public notice in the press regarding efforts by European countries to mediate in the Spanish Civil War. (Footnote: Sent also to the Ambassador in the United Kingdom with exception of last paragraph.) |
606 |
| Dec. 10 (1229) | From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Delbos’ explanation regarding a hoped-for statement from President Roosevelt on the Anglo-French mediation proposal. |
607 |
| 1936 Dec. 10 (506) | From the Consul at Geneva (tel.) Report on a private Council meeting, at which the Spanish conflict was placed on the agenda; unfavorable attitude in certain League circles toward the Anglo-French démarche. |
607 |
| Dec. 12 (513) | From the Consul at Geneva (tel.) Chief points of a resolution concerning the Spanish affair, unanimously adopted by the League Council, and comments of various delegations thereon. |
608 |
| Dec. 13 (524) | From the Ambassador in Italy (tel.) Italian official announcement that reply to the Anglo-French démarche was delivered December 12, and that Germany replied simultaneously with an analogous text. Information from British Embassy that general tone of the Italian reply is favorable. |
610 |
| Dec. 14 | From the Consul at Gibraltar (tel.) Report from German informant returning from the Madrid front on the political and military situation, indicating that Franco’s forces will hold all occupied territory and will conquer more, although they would collapse without German and Italian support. |
611 |
| Dec. 14 (369) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Confidential statement (substance printed) regarding the Spanish war made by the official representative of the War Ministry to U. S. Military Attaché; request to repeat to War Department. |
612 |
| Dec. 14 (610) | From the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (tel.) Foreign Office view that all replies to the Anglo-French démarche support the work of the London Non-intervention Committee, but that Germany, Italy, and Portugal offer no support for the principle of mediation; Anglo-French discussions as to further possible steps which might lead to successful mediation. |
612 |
| Dec. 14 | Memorandum by the Acting Secretary of
State Conversation with the British Ambassador, who expressed thanks for the U. S. statement in connection with the Anglo-French démarche. |
613 |
| Dec. 18 (2725) | From the Ambassador in the United
Kingdom Information on Eden’s statement in the House of Commons, December 16 (text printed), regarding the terms of the Italian guarantee relative to the Balearic Islands, and on a contemplated Anglo-Italian accord in the Mediterranean. |
613 |
| Dec. 24 (1294) | From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Foreign Office denial of a news report that Germany had been “warned” against further intervention in Spain; evidence of stiffening of French attitude toward German intervention. |
614 |
| Dec. 28 (628) | From the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (tel.) Foreign Office opinion that the only hope of successful mediation in Spain lies in a stalemate between the opposing forces; its opinion also relative to German loss of prestige in recent months. |
615 |
| 1936 Dec. 29 (377) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Evidence that Hitler is giving more military assistance to Spain than ever before, despite Anglo-French efforts to end the war. |
617 |
| Dec. 29 (553) | From the Ambassador in Italy (tel.) Substance of draft of Anglo-Italian joint declaration in respect to the Mediterranean expected to be signed soon; British Embassy’s opinion that conclusion of this accord will create a favorable atmosphere for a more satisfactory arrangement regarding Spain. (Footnote: Information on exchange of notes, dated December 31.) |
617 |
| Dec. 29 (555) | To the Ambassador in France (tel.) Reasons for Department’s having been obliged to grant two licenses for the export of airplanes to Spain, and authorization to bring facts to the attention of Foreign Office. Request to repeat to Embassies at London, Berlin, and Rome for appropriate action, and to Moscow for information only. |
618 |
| Dec. 30 (1305) | From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Foreign Office information that the Soviet Union has accepted the Anglo-French proposal to ban volunteers to Spain, subject to acceptance by the other powers, but that no reply has been received from Germany and Italy. |
620 |
| Dec. 30 (17) | From the Consul at Seville (tel.) Arrival of Italian troops and Irish volunteers; expectation of the early fall of Madrid. |
620 |
| Dec. 30 | From the Vice Consul at Gibraltar (tel.) Presence of a new insurgent cruiser and of German warships in the Gibraltar area; indication that blockade of Straits of Gibraltar by insurgents is spreading. |
621 |
| Dec. 30 (380) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Résumé of a conversation with a high German official, who said he was almost certain that Hitler would accept the Anglo-French neutrality proposal. |
621 |
| Dec. 30 (229) | From the Chargé in Mexico (tel.) Information regarding the exportation of American-made equipment from Mexico to Spain. |
622 |
| Dec. 31 | Memorandum by the Special Assistant to the Secretary
of State and Chief of the Division of Western European
Affairs Conversation with the Spanish Ambassador, who expressed regret at U. S. attitude toward the shipment of planes to the Spanish Government, and pointed out that while the democratic governments were keeping their word in connection with nonintervention, the Fascist governments were breaking their word and continued to pour forces and equipment into the insurgent movement. |
623 |
| Dec. 31 (190) | From the Ambassador in Spain, Then in France
(tel.) Advice that granting of license to aircraft brokers is causing much press comment, and that Germany is citing U. S. action as justification for continuing intervention policy; suggestion in connection with use of the word “faction” in probable legislation extending the neutrality act. |
624 |
| 1936 Dec. 31 (230) | To the Chargé in Mexico (tel.) Authorization to request Mexican authorities to assist the United States, as an act of international courtesy, in the enforcement of its laws respecting international traffic in arms, in connection with the alleged export of American planes to Spain via Mexico. |
624 |
| Dec. 31 (B–101) | To the Ambassador in Spain, Then in France (tel.) Advice that suggestion concerning use of the word “faction” will be brought to the attention of the proper persons. |
625 |
| Dec. 31 | From the Consul at Barcelona (tel.) Advice that some 20,000 foreign volunteers of various nationalities have passed through Barcelona for the front since October 31; worsening of security for persons and property in the city. |
625 |
| Dec. 31 (233) | From the Chargé in Mexico (tel.) President’s promise of cooperation with the Department to prevent airplanes or other war materials of American origin from being sent to Spain. |
626 |
ii. protection of lives and property of americans and other nationals
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1936 July 21 (621) | From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Telephone conversation with Eric C. Wendelin, Third Secretary of Embassy at Madrid, who said that no American had been injured so far, that most telephone communications were interrupted, and that he had made arrangements for transportation of members of the American colony to the Embassy in case of danger. (Footnote: Information that Wendelin was left in charge of the Embassy at Madrid when the Ambassador and his staff moved to San Sebastián on July 10.) |
626 |
| July 21 | To All American Consuls in Spain (tel.) Instructions to keep Department informed of all developments, especially as to safety and welfare of American nationals, and to make recommendations for their protection. |
627 |
| July 21 (272) | To the Ambassador in the United Kingdom (tel.) Instructions to express to the British authorities U. S. appreciation for measures taken by the Captain of H. M. S. Shamrock for safeguarding Americans in Malaga, and to inform them that U. S. ships Oklahoma and Quincy have been ordered to Spanish waters. (Footnote: Information that American tourists at Malaga had escaped on the Shamrock.) |
627 |
| July 22 (625) | From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Telephone information from Wendelin that he is preparing the Madrid Embassy with food supplies to receive American residents in case of necessity. Wendelin’s account of an incident involving injury to an American. Report from Consul at Barcelona regarding situation there. |
628 |
| 1936 July 22 (626) | From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Wendelin’s decision to open Embassy to American nationals. |
630 |
| July 22 (629) | From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Telephone information from Madrid that all Americans have been offered protection in the Embassy if they care to come; report that situation is ominous, and urgent request for cruiser Quincy to be sent to Barcelona. |
631 |
| July 23 (630) | From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Advice from Consul at Barcelona that one British and two Italian warships have arrived and are available for the protection of Americans; other details on the situation at Barcelona, and on whereabouts of certain consular personnel. |
632 |
| July 23 | From the Consul at Bilbao (tel.) Information that Bilbao is virtually in a state of siege, and that looting may result due to food shortage; request for a war vessel to evacuate American women and children. |
633 |
| July 23 (51) | From the Counselor of Embassy in Spain (tel.) Description of the dangerous situation, and recommendation that an American ship be sent immediately; impossibility to communicate with Ambassador at Fuenterrabia. |
633 |
| July 23 (632) | From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Telephone information from Madrid that 30 women and children are in Embassy, and that more are expected; report on military situation. |
634 |
| July 23 (3) | To President Roosevelt, at Sea (tel.) Suggestion that certain U. S. war vessels be sent into Spanish waters to protect American nationals, in view of the serious situation in Spain and the fact that the two vessels now in European waters cannot be kept there indefinitely. |
635 |
| July 23 (240) | To the Ambassador in France (tel.) Advice that the S. S. Exeter will call at Barcelona on July 24, and the U. S. S. Oklahoma at Bilbao on July 25, both available for the evacuation of Americans. (Instructions to repeat to Barcelona, San Sebastián, and Madrid.) |
636 |
| July 23 (243) | To the Ambassador in France (tel.) Message to be conveyed to Wendelin (text printed) expressing gratification at thoroughness of reports and steps taken to protect Americans in Madrid, and giving authorization for expenditures in connection with the care of Americans and protection of the Embassy. |
636 |
| July 23 (635) | From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Information from Consul at Barcelona that a Consulate General car, bearing the American flag, was fired upon, and that a Spanish clerk of the Consulate General and the British driver were probably killed; Catalan government’s promise to investigate. |
636 |
| 1936 July 23 | To the Consul at Barcelona (tel.) Advice that the Belgian Government has requested U. S. cooperation in the evacuation of Belgian nationals from Barcelona, and that the Commanding Officer of the Exeter has been informed to give every consideiation to the request. |
637 |
| July 23 (636) | From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Information from Madrid that practically all native Americans, numbering over 100, are in the Embassy, due to the increasingly serious situation. |
638 |
| Undated [Rec’d July 24] | From President Roosevelt, at Sea (tel.) Approval of ordering naval vessels from United States to Spain; suggestion relative to hiring vessels in European waters, to speed up evacuation procedure. |
638 |
| July 24 (5) | To President Roosevelt, at Sea (tel.) Belief that arrangements now in effect are adequate for the present emergency. |
639 |
| July 24 (637) | From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Telephone message from Barcelona, confirming death of the Consulate General’s Spanish clerk and of his British companion; expression of regret by local authorities. |
639 |
| July 24 (643) | From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Telephone message from Wendelin indicating continued efforts to protect American residents in Madrid, and attempt to secure additional police protection for the Embassy. |
640 |
| July 24 (644) | From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Information from Foreign Office concerning location of French vessels, in Spanish waters to evacuate French nationals, which would also evacuate Americans. |
640 |
| July 24 | To the Consul at Barcelona (tel.) Instructions to express sympathy and regret to the Spanish clerk’s family; authorization to draw on Department up to $300 for funeral expenses and payment of one month’s salary. |
641 |
| July 24 | To the Consul at Gibraltar (tel.) Advice that U. S. S. Quincy has been ordered to Malaga and Gibraltar to evacuate Americans; inquiry as to the number of Americans left in Malaga who wish to be evacuated; authorization to draw on Department up to $500 to meet the emergency. |
641 |
| July 24 (649) | From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Information from Barcelona that the Exeter evacuated all Americans wishing to go and about 80 other nationals. Advice that Wendelin suggests Department try cabling direct, since it is reported that direct cable communication with America has been reestablished. |
642 |
| July 25 | From the Consul at Bordeaux (tel.) Evacuation of foreigners from San Sebastián by British and French destroyers; intention to cable list of refugees as soon as received. |
642 |
| 1936 July 25 (48) | To the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain (tel.) Advice that the Quincy has been instructed to visit Valencia and Malaga to evacuate American and other nationals. |
643 |
| July 25 | From the Consul at Barcelona (tel.) Request that U. S. S. Quincy be sent to Barcelona, as all communications are threatened. |
643 |
| July 26 | To the Consul at Barcelona (tel.) Advice that request has been transmitted to the Commander of the Quincy. |
643 |
| July 26 (24) | From the Minister in Portugal (tel.) Request from Madrid for approval to evacuate Americans by train to Valencia, and for authority to extend protection of the Embassy to Austrians; advice that Panamanians and Cubans will also be housed in the Embassy. |
644 |
| July 26 | To the Ambassador in France (circ. tel.) Instructions to inform Wendelin of Department’s approval to evacuate Americans by train to Valencia if Spanish Government guarantees safety and of authorization to extend protection to Austrians in his discretion. (Footnote: Sent also to Lisbon, Madrid, and to U. S. S. Oklahoma for notification of Quincy.) |
644 |
| July 26 | From the Consul at Vigo (tel.) Public apology made to the Consul by military authorities after his vigorous protest against a public insult in the street by uniformed armed Fascist; opinion that the military will be able to protect Consulate and families. |
644 |
| July 26 | From the Consul at Bordeaux (tel.) Message from Bowers, the Ambassador in Spain (text printed), indicating that all Americans have been evacuated from San Sebastián and Bilbao; that Embassy personnel has been transferred to Fuenterrabia, and that he feels the Cayuga should be in reach of Embassy in order to facilitate radio communication with Washington. |
645 |
| July 26 (660) | From the Ambassador in France (tel.) Expectation of severe fighting at Fuenterrabia, and advisability that Ambassador Bowers be ordered to leave with his household on the Cayuga for France. |
645 |
| July 26 (256) | To the Ambassador in France (tel.) Advice that Bowers has been authorized to leave Fuenterrabia for France or elsewhere. |
646 |
| July 27 | Memorandum by the Secretary of
State Conversation with the Spanish Ambassador, who offered his services in connection with the safety of American citizens in Spain, and described the situation in his country. |
647 |
| Undated [Rec’d July 27] | From the Ambassador in Spain, Then in France
(tel.) Arrival at St. Jean de Luz, since unable to communicate from Fuenterrabia, in order to confer with colleagues; expectation to return to Fuenterrabia, and to spend part time in each place; request that Cayuga be placed at his sole disposition. |
648 |
| 1936 July 27 | To the Consul at Vigo (tel.) Information that Cayuga with Ambassador Bowers aboard is proceeding along north coast of Spain to Vigo, evacuating any Americans found at points along the coast; authority to close Vigo Consulate under certain conditions. |
648 |
| July 28 (X–4) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Action of Madrid Diplomatic Corps to secure Government guarantee for protection of life and property of its members and foreign residents; consideration of joint evacuation of foreigners to Valencia or Alicante by special train. |
649 |
| July 29 | To All American Consular Officers in Spain (circ. tel.) Authorization to extend consular facilities for protection and evacuation to the nationals of certain countries. |
649 |
| July 29 | From the Consul at Barcelona (tel.) Information that President of Cataluña cannot guarantee protection of Americans in Barcelona, and his suggestion that foreigners be evacuated by foreign ships; breakdown of transportation and local communication. |
650 |
| July 29 | To All American Consuls in Spain (circ. tel.) Desirability of advising American nationals to withdraw to places of safety, or to reach points from which they can be evacuated. |
650 |
| July 29 (X–7) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Reply from Foreign Office to the Diplomatic Corps relative to possible joint evacuation of foreign residents from Madrid by special train. Corps’ decision to investigate railroad facilities for evacuation to a Mediterranean port. |
651 |
| July 29 (X–9) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Advice that American press reports regarding confiscation of American property by the Spanish Government are as yet unfounded, except for requisition of American private cars for war purposes. |
652 |
| July 30 (61) | To the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain (tel.) Desirability to continue cooperation with the Diplomatic Corps to obtain safeguards and guarantees with regard to train facilities to coastal points, but to inform Americans of facilities available to be used on their own responsibility. |
652 |
| July 30 (X–13) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Government’s willingness to authorize extra coaches on regular trains for Valencia and Alicante, provided persons leaving thereon get a special visa. Investigation of possibility of reserving a coach on the regular Valencia train for July 30 or 31. |
653 |
| Undated [Rec’d July 30] (8030) | From the Ambassador in Spain, Then on the U. S. S.
“Cayuga” (tel.) Assistance to officers of the Firestone plant at Bilbao in connection with the taking over of that plant by the Government to make tires for war purposes. Evacuee situation. |
653 |
| July 30 | From the Consul at Barcelona (tel.) Information from British Admiral that all Americans desiring to leave Palma de Mallorca will be taken on a British warship. |
654 |
| 1936 Aug. 1 (63) | To the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain (tel.) Telegram sent to all consular officers in Spain (text printed) relative to evacuation of American nationals. Concern over decision of a large number of Americans to remain in Madrid, and advice that funds are available for Americans who would like to leave but are in financial need. |
654 |
| Aug. 1 (X–22) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Evacuation of 111 Americans by train to Valencia, from where they will sail to Marseille aboard U. S. S. Quincy; 71 Americans still in Madrid Embassy, and about 107 outside. |
655 |
| Aug. 1 (X–23) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Further action of Diplomatic Corps to protect lives and property of foreign nationals. |
656 |
| Aug. 2 (X–27) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Information as to number of U. S. citizens left in the Embassy and the Madrid Consular District; advice that those in financial need will be evacuated in accordance with instructions. |
656 |
| Aug. 3 (69) | To the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain (tel.) Concern over reports indicating actual interference with American property in Spain; instructions to advise the Spanish Government that private property, whether in the hands of American nationals or temporarily abandoned by them, may not be denied the protection to which it is entitled by international law. |
657 |
| Aug. 4 (X–28) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Advice that very few Americans are financially unable to leave Spain, but that many do not wish to leave for business or family reasons. |
658 |
| Aug. 4 | From the Consul at Barcelona (tel.) Request for instructions relative to the filing of a claim for indemnification in the death of the Consulate General’s Spanish clerk. (Footnote: Department’s instructions not to file any claim.) |
658 |
| Aug. 4 (X–30) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Consideration at Diplomatic Corps meeting of safety of diplomatic missions, and interpretation of right of asylum; observations on the situation and request for amplification of instructions on asylum. |
659 |
| Aug. 5 (X–32) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Resume of efforts to assure the safety of U. S. official buildings and residences of U. S. Government officials and private citizens. |
660 |
| Aug. 5 (70) | To the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain (tel.) Belief that requests of persons other than Americans for refuge in Embassy should be discouraged, but that in circumstances where immediate question of life is at stake, an exception may be made. |
661 |
| Aug. 5 (X–33) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Representations to the Sub-Secretary of State regarding interference with American property; issuance of Embassy certificates to American firms to prevent seizure without payment. |
661 |
| 1936 Aug. 6 (X–34) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Decision at Diplomatic Corps meeting that its Acting Dean should request from the Spanish Government use of an apartment building to house those nationals who otherwise would not be protected. |
662 |
| Aug. 7 | From the Consul at Malaga (tel.) Suggestion that U. S. and certain other governments make a joint request to the Madrid Government for assistance in the evacuation of foreign nationals from Granada, and to request similar cooperation from the insurgents at Seville. |
662 |
| Aug. 8 | To the Consul at Malaga (tel.) Instructions to inform military authorities that the Socony-Vacuum Oil Company is sending the British registered plane Gaecx to evacuate Americans and other foreign nationals stranded in Granada. |
663 |
| Aug. 8 (X–39) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Advice that 12 Americans left by train for Valencia and were taken aboard a British cruiser; comment on remaining Americans in Madrid. |
663 |
| Aug. 9 | From the Consul at Malaga (tel.) Advice that instructions of August 8 have been carried out, but that no effective assurance can be given that plane will not be fired upon. |
664 |
| Aug. 9 (X–43) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Advice that 15 or 20 Americans will be evacuated on cruiser Quincy; comment on seriousness of the military situation, and indication that an air raid on Madrid is expected. |
665 |
| Aug. 10 (76) | To the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain (tel.) Telegram from Ambassador Bowers (text printed) pertaining to the evacuation of all British and Italian nationals and officials from Spain. Authorization to leave Madrid when it seems no longer safe to remain. |
665 |
| Aug. 11 | To the Consul at Seville (tel.) Suspension by Socony-Vacuum Oil Company of flights of the airplane Gaecz to Granada pending the outcome of a project for mass evacuation by train and bus; instructions to inform pilot. |
666 |
| Aug. 11 (X–47) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Advice that British representative in Madrid does not feel situation sufficiently serious to leave, although so authorized; efforts to urge remaining Americans to leave; financial assistance to 304 persons. |
666 |
| Aug. 12 | From the Consul at Vigo (tel.) Receipt of anonymous death threats following efforts to have an American citizen released from jail. (Footnote: Consul’s departure, following Department’s authorization to leave for a place of safety, leaving Vice Consul in charge.) |
667 |
| 1936 Aug. 12 | To the U. S. S. “Oklahoma” (tel.) Desire to evacuate Americans from Granada, as requested in a message from the Consul at Seville, and advice that U. S. officials at Madrid and Malaga are authorized to cooperate in evacuation plans. Request that this message be transmitted to the Consul at Seville. |
668 |
| Aug. 12 (X–50) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Spanish importers’ request for protection of merchandise purchased in United States for which American shippers have received no payment due to exchange restrictions; opinion that title has passed to Spanish importers and protection cannot be given. |
668 |
| Aug. 12 (X–51) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Representations to the Foreign Office with regard to the protection of American property and indemnification if requisitioned, and presentation of various claims in behalf of American firms. |
669 |
| Aug. 13 | From the Consul at Seville (tel.) Safe arrival by military plane from Granada of all American tourists except one, who was left behind for lack of room; request to Consul at Gibraltar that U. S. S. Oklahoma be notified to pick them up in Cadiz. |
669 |
| Aug. 13 (X–54) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Decision at Diplomatic Corps meeting to seek authority from the respective governments to close missions and leave Madrid in a body, if such move seemed necessary; nonintention to leave until American nationals have been persuaded to go. |
670 |
| Aug. 14 | To the Ambassador in Spain, Then in France (tel.) Advice that the destroyers Hatfield and Kane have been ordered to Spanish waters to relieve the Oklahoma and that every effort will be made to provide vessels for the evacuation of Americans. |
670 |
| Aug. 14 (86) | To the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain (tel.) Colombian Government’s request that the Colombian Minister in Madrid and the Consul and his wife be given refuge in the Embassy because their lives are endangered; request for information. |
671 |
| Aug. 14 (87) | To the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain (tel.) Instructions to associate himself with British representations respecting the safety and rescue of 38 staff members of the Rio Tin to Mining Corporation, including an American citizen, who are allegedly held as hostages in the Huelva Mines by “Spanish Communists.” |
671 |
| Aug. 15 (X–58) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Information relative to the situation at the Colombian Legation. Belief that, until number of Americans in Madrid can be reduced, requests for refuge in the Embassy from representatives and nationals of other countries should be discouraged. |
672 |
| 1936 Aug. 16 (X–59) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Advice that the Spanish Government has agreed to send orders to the Huelva Mines urging the miners to release the foreign staff of the Rio Tinto Mining Corporation. (Footnote: Information on safety of the American involved.) |
672 |
| Aug.; 16 (X–60) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Diplomatic Corps discussion on joint withdrawal from Madrid; intent of the majority to leave only if conditions showed evidence of personal danger to foreigners. |
673 |
| Aug. 16 (64) | From the Ambassador in Spain, Then in France
(tel.) Opinion that the number of ships sent by the Navy Department is inadequate. |
673 |
| Aug. 18 (X–66) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Government’s promise of early reply to Embassy’s note regarding protection of American property, and assurance that all requisitioned property will be paid for and legal steps taken to apprehend stolen property. |
674 |
| Aug. 18 (X–67) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Advice that 151 Americans are known to be in Madrid, of whom 38 are in Embassy; estimate that 20 or 30 may leave in next few days, many more if local situation becomes critical or Embassy is closed. |
674 |
| Aug. 18 (B–l) | To the Ambassador in Spain, Then in France (tel.) Information that U. S. destroyers Kane and Hatfield have left New York for Spanish waters; belief that vessels now assigned will be able to patrol the Spanish coast effectively for evacuation purposes. |
675 |
| Aug. 19 (770) | From the Chargé in France (tel.) Telegram from the Consul at Barcelona (text printed) quoting a message from the chief of disembarkation column at Baleares requesting immediate withdrawal of U. S. vessels anchored in the Bay of Palma, as this area is to be bombed by air and sea. |
675 |
| Aug. 20 (X–73) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Information on further conference regarding withdrawal of diplomatic missions from Madrid; opinion that conditions do not justify withdrawal for reasons of safety. |
676 |
| Aug. 20 (X–75) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Reference to telegram No. X–50 of August 12, and request for instructions as to possible action, in view of increasing requests from importers of American merchandise. (Footnote: Instructions as requested.) |
676 |
| Aug. 20 (90) | To the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain (tel.) Request for information regarding an alleged Government blockade of various coastal areas. |
677 |
| 1936 Aug. 20 (X–77) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Advice that censorship has been established on all incoming and outgoing mail; that, in anticipation of such possibility, requests were sent to Ambassador Bowers at Hendaye, the Paris Embassy, and the Consulates at Barcelona and Valencia, not to forward confidential material by mail. |
677 |
| Aug. 21 | From the Consul at Valencia (tel.) Report on numerous executions of Spaniards, and doubt whether protection of life and property of Americans can be depended upon. Advice that execution of Polish honorary Consul has resulted in attempts by honorary Consuls to obtain U. S. Consulate’s protection; request for instructions. |
678 |
| Aug. 21 | To the Consul at Valencia (tel.) Authorization to exercise good offices in behalf of honorary colleagues if convinced they have no political affiliations in Spain, but advice not to compromise primary duty to obtain maximum protection for Americans. |
678 |
| Aug. 21 (X–79) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Foreign Office note verbale August 20 (text printed), declaring certain Spanish ports a war zone in which merchant ships are forbidden, in order to prevent furnishing of supplies to insurgents. |
679 |
| Aug. 22 (X–80) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Description of situation in Madrid, and opinion that Government is stronger than it was two weeks ago. |
679 |
| Aug. 23 (X–82) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Formal note from Foreign Office with regard to protection of property belonging to Spanish citizens or foreigners. |
680 |
| Aug. 23 | From the Consul at Barcelona (tel.) Résumé of the situation, and request for authorization to evacuate consular officers and staff members if their lives are in danger; request for gas masks and for additional funds for evacuation of destitute Americans. |
681 |
| Aug. 23 (X–83) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Receipt of requests for refuge in the Embassy and for assistance to leave Spain on behalf of Spanish husbands of American wives; request for opinion. |
681 |
| Aug. 24 (X–84) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Advice that an official letter from the Embassy at Paris had been opened and censored; note of protest sent to Foreign Office. |
682 |
| Aug. 25 (94) | To the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain (tel.) Note for Minister of State (text printed) in reply to note verbale of August 20, concerning the closing of certain Spanish ports to merchant ships. (Footnote: Delivery of note verbale to the Foreign Office on August 26.) |
682 |
| Aug. 25 (95) | To the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain (tel.) Department’s opinion as requested in No. X–83 of August 23. |
683 |
| 1936 Aug. 25 (X–89) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Diplomatic Corps discussion regarding the question of protection of foreign missions and the inviolability of the residences of foreign diplomats, raised by certain incidents. |
683 |
| Aug. 25 | To the Consul at Barcelona (tel.) Opinion that the furnishing of gas masks might be interpreted as a reversal of U. S. policy in urging Americans to leave Spain; authority to temporarily close office and to evacuate with American staff members, if it is unsafe to remain. |
684 |
| Aug. 26 | From the Consul at Barcelona (tel.) Request of the Red Cross for a donation from the Consulate General. Assurance by the President of the Catalan Council that his government shall continue to give fullest protection to Americans remaining in the district. |
685 |
| Aug. 26 (X–92) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Government’s expression of profound regret for violation of Embassy correspondence, and advice that the Ministry of Communications has been instructed to prevent recurrence. |
685 |
| Aug. 27 | To the Consul at Barcelona (tel.) Instructions to courteously refuse all requests to contribute to local Red Cross or other relief funds in order to avoid any appearance of taking sides in the present Spanish situation. |
685 |
| Aug. 27 (X–100) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Foreign Office apology in connection with an incident at the British Embassy, and assurance that Government recognizes inviolability of residences of all duly accredited diplomatic representatives. |
686 |
| Aug. 29 (X–108) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Advice that 14 guards are now assigned permanently to protect Embassy and Consulate. |
687 |
| Aug. 30 (102) | To the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain (tel.) Information that U. S. destroyer Kane, en route to Bilbao on evacuation duty, was attacked by an unidentified plane; instructions that incident be brought to the Government’s attention, and informally, with no intention as to recognition, to General Franco’s attention, with request that both sides issue appropriate instructions to prevent further incidents. |
687 |
| Aug. 31 | To the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain (circ. tel.) Possibility that attack on the Kane may have resulted from lack of information by military authorities as to the presence of U. S. vessels in Spanish waters; instructions to bring description and characteristics of U. S. ships operating in Spanish waters to the attention of both factions. (Sent also to Consuls at Barcelona, Bilbao, Malaga, Seville, Valencia, and Vigo.) |
688 |
| Aug. 31 (115) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Categorical statement by the Under Secretary of State that no Government planes were operating in the area where the Kane incident occurred, and that the Government possessed no planes of the type described. |
689 |
| 1936 Sept. 1 | From the Consul at Seville (tel.) Conversation with General Queipo de Llano, who would not admit that his forces were involved in the Kane incident, but promised investigation, and suggested that attacker might have been Russian. |
690 |
| Sept. 1 | To the Consul at Barcelona (tel.) Instructions to assist the Costa Rican Consul in the protection or evacuation of Costa Rican nationals, should need arise. |
690 |
| Sept. 1 (B–13) | To the Ambassador in Spain, Then in France (tel.) Telegram sent to the Embassy at Madrid and to all American Consulates in Spain (text printed) quoting Secretary’s statement to the press in reply to an inquiry as to whether United States contemplates withdrawal of U. S. ships from Spanish waters. |
691 |
| Sept. 1 (816) | From the Chargé in France (tel.) Telegram to Madrid Embassy (text printed) relative to Austrian request for evacuation of the Austrian Consul at Valencia in case of need. |
691 |
| Sept. 1 (0001) | From the Consul at Bilbao (tel.) Execution of instructions of August 31 to inform military authorities of characteristics of U. S. vessels operating in Spanish waters. |
692 |
| Sept. 1 (X–117) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Account of Diplomatic Corps meeting at which a joint appeal to “humanize” the conduct of war was discussed; opinion that meetings have little practical result. |
692 |
| Sept. 2 | From the Vice Consul at Vigo (tel.) Advice that all financially able Americans are leaving, but that the destitute cannot leave without assistance; belief that Americans in the district are safe at present, except members of Masonic Order. |
693 |
| Sept. 2 | To the Consul at Valencia (tel.) Authorization for evacuation of the Austrian Consul on an American naval vessel if local conditions warrant such action. |
693 |
| Sept. 3 | To the Consul at Seville (tel.) Instructions for further conversation with General Queipo de Llano, urging careful investigation of the Kane incident and identification of the plane. |
694 |
| Sept. 4 (X–122) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Foreign Office note (text printed) disclaiming any connection with the Kane incident. |
695 |
| Sept. 5 | Memorandum by the Assistant Chief of the Division of
Latin American Affairs Conversation with the Second Secretary of the Chilean Embassy, who presented a memorandum requesting the United States to join Chile in evacuating a Spanish family from Madrid; explanation of U. S. policy of rigid neutrality. |
695 |
| 1936 Sept. 5 (X–126) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Inquiry by Acting Austrian Chargé whether U. S. Embassy would undertake protection of Austrian nationals if he should leave Madrid; reasons for reluctance to do so. |
696 |
| Undated [Rec’d Sept. 6] | From the Consul General at Barcelona (tel.) Catalan publication of a decree (substance printed) prohibiting all holding of gold coins and ingots in Cataluna; intention to send a protest, reserving U. S. rights to make claims in event that gold belonging to U. S. citizens is requisitioned. |
697 |
| Sept. 6 | From the Consul at Seville (tel.) Conversation with General Queipo de Llano, stressing desirability of determining identity of plane which attacked the Kane. |
697 |
| Sept. 6 (X–128) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Rumors regarding the possible use of gas by insurgents in air raids on Madrid; Government’s publication of first aid measures to be adopted in such an eventuality. |
698 |
| Sept. 7 (X–129) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Minister of State’s call on the Acting Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, assuring protection of foreign missions and foreigners in Madrid and expressing desire that missions remain; list of missions having withdrawn. |
698 |
| Sept. 7 (109) | To the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain (tel.) Reiteration of discretionary authority to close Embassy and Consulate, and to depart to a place of safety; inquiry with regard to gas masks, in view of possible attack. |
699 |
| Sept. 7 | From the Consul at Seville (tel.) Communication from General Franco (text printed) indicating that he has no information as to the identity of the plane which attacked the Kane. |
700 |
| Sept. 7 (96) | From the Ambassador in Spain, Then in France
(tel.) British Ambassador’s receipt of a telegram from London indicating possibility of an insurgent gas attack on Madrid, and instructing him to confer with colleagues on wisdom of a joint warning to insurgent authorities of grave consequences of such actions. Request for instructions. |
700 |
| Sept. 8 (B–19) | To the Ambassador in Spain, Then in France (tel.) Instructions not to join in appeal since the Department is considering an independent appeal to both factions against the use of gas on towns and cities. |
701 |
| Sept. 8 (X–132) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Inadvisability of sending gas masks; reasons for belief that possibility of gas attack on Madrid is remote. |
701 |
| Sept. 8 (B–20) | To the Ambassador in Spain, Then in France (tel.) Authorization to inform colleagues, if considered advisable, of possible U. S. action as mentioned in telegram No. B–19, September 8. |
702 |
| 1936 Sept. 9 (113) | To the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain (tel.) Instructions to express to the Minister of State appreciation for investigation made in the Kane matter, but to request renewed investigation regarding identity of the plane. (Similar instructions sent to Seville for representations to General Queipo de Llano.) |
702 |
| Sept. 9 (X–134) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Foreign Office reply (text printed) to an Embassy note regarding taking over of the General Motors plant in Barcelona. |
703 |
| Sept. 10 (49) | From the Minister in Austria (tel.) Foreign Office aide-mémoire (text printed) requesting that the U. S. Embassy in Madrid be authorized to take over the protection of Austrian citizens in Spain in case of need. |
703 |
| Sept. 10 | From the Consul General at Barcelona (tel.) Information in connection with the gold decree, and opinion that it is questionable if the United States can go far in protecting American interests incorporated under Spanish law with none or little stock registered in American names; request for guidance. |
704 |
| Sept. 10 | To the Consul General at Barcelona (tel.) Request for further information on the Catalan gold decree, and inquiry as to authority of the Catalan government to issue such a decree; instructions to defer protest. |
705 |
| Sept. 10 | To the Ambassador in Spain, Then in France (circ. tel.) Announcement to the press (text printed) describing the evacuation of American nationals from Spain, summarizing present situation, and stating that the Navy Department has now ordered vessels used in evacuation to leave Spanish waters. (Footnote: Sent also to Madrid and to all Consulates in Spain.) |
705 |
| Sept. 10 (X–137) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Assurances by the Minister of State relative to the protection of foreigners and the adequacy of food and water supplies for foreign missions; opinion, despite these assurances, that Madrid may soon be cut off from food supplies. |
706 |
| Sept. 10 (344) | To the Chargé in France (tel.) Advice that U. S. naval vessels will be withdrawn from Spanish waters and will remain in French ports, to be available for emergency calls from U. S. missions in Spain; instructions to inform French authorities. |
708 |
| Sept. 11 | From the Consul at Seville (tel.) Note from the provisional government at Burgos (text printed) denying involvement in the Kane incident. Queipo de Llano’s indication that the Madrid Government had planes of the type involved. |
708 |
| Sept. 11 (35) | To the Minister in Austria (tel.) Advice that U. S. Embassy at Madrid is authorized to extend its facilities to Austrians, but that no unconditional responsibility can be assumed in view of the critical situation. (Repeated to Madrid.) |
709 |
| 1936 Sept. 12 (102) | From the Ambassador in Spain, Then in France
(tel.) Request from Consul at Bilbao for instructions relative to Governor’s order that foreigners may not leave for foreign destination without permission, and reply thereto (texts printed). (Footnote: Information that U. S. Chancery was moved from Hendaye to St. Jean de Luz on September 10.) |
710 |
| Sept. 12 (103) | From the Ambassador in Spain, Then in France
(tel.) Advice that insurgent authorities at Burgos have issued instructions to military authorities in Vigo prohibiting all code messages, and that U. S. Vice Consul’s protest is unavailing. |
710 |
| Sept. 12 (X–140) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Ministry of State’s permission that Embassy may use its radio equipment if other communication facilities should fail. |
711 |
| Sept. 12 | To the Ambassador in Spain, Then in France (circ. tel.) Procedure to be followed in evacuating American nationals still in Spain; desire not to order U. S. naval vessels to Spanish ports except when there are groups sufficiently large to warrant it. (Footnote: Sent also to Madrid Embassy and all Consulates in Spain except Madrid.) |
711 |
| Sept. 12 | From the Consul General at Barcelona (tel.) Request for approval to decline compliance with requests of departed Americans to take custody of their accounts in local banks. (Footnote: Approval of proposed action.) |
712 |
| Sept. 12 (123) | To the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain (tel.) Instructions to protest against enforcement by Catalan government of a decree concerning credit transactions on grounds that such arbitrary interference would be tantamount to Spanish control and virtual confiscation of American property. (Footnote: Similar instructions to Consul at Barcelona.) |
712 |
| Sept. 13 (X–144) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Considerations in favor of discontinuing the use of U. S. Embassy as place of refuge; intention to request, if Department authorizes such action, that U. S. S. Quincy proceed to Alicante to give American nationals final opportunity for evacuation. Request for instructions. |
713 |
| Sept. 13 (0013) | From the Consul at Bilbao (tel.) Broadcast from insurgent headquarters that mines will be laid in the ports of Bilbao and Santander; request for immediate instructions regarding evacuation on U. S. S. Kane. (Footnote: Instructions to close office and to depart on the Kane for France.) |
715 |
| Sept. 14 (106) | From the Ambassador in Spain, Then in France
(tel.) Advice that Madrid Government has taken a stand asking that foreign missions return to Madrid; considerations regarding situation. |
715 |
| 1936 Sept. 14 (125) | To the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain (tel.) Instructions, in view of considerations set forth in telegram No. X–144, September 13, to offer Americans in Madrid a few more days to determine whether they wish to leave on the Quincy, and to inform them that the Embassy will be closed as a place of refuge upon expiration of this period. |
716 |
| Sept. 14 (X–145) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Opinion that the Catalan government has no legal right to require delivery of gold, or to regulate extension of commercial credits, according to article 14 of the Spanish Constitution; note addressed to the Foreign Office in accordance with Department’s telegram No. 123, September 12. |
716 |
| Sept. 15 (128) | To the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain (tel.) Advice that American-owned cotton at Barcelona and Tarragona is gradually being taken over by local authorities without compliance with terms of purchase; instructions to make representations at the Foreign Office. |
717 |
| Sept. 15 (150) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Advice that instructions in Department’s No. 125 of September 14 have been carried out, with September 22 as the date set for closing of the Embassy as place of refuge. (Footnote: Authorization to draw on $300 Red Cross fund for evacuating of destitute Americans.) |
718 |
| Sept. 16 | From the Consul General at Barcelona (tel.) Observations on the Catalan decree pertaining to gold. |
718 |
| Sept. 16 (X–151) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Orders issued by the Under Secretary of State permitting foreign diplomatic and consular officers to use any language desired over telephone; advice that this resulted from representations following orders by Catalan authorities that only Spanish or French be used. |
719 |
| Sept. 17 (X–152) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Inference that the Spanish Government may support Catalan gold and credit decrees, possibly extending their provisions to the entire country under its authority. |
720 |
| Sept. 17 (52) | From the Minister in Austria (tel.) Austrian desire that U. S. Chargé in Madrid continue to do what he can for Austrian nationals in Spain. |
720 |
| Sept. 17 (B–25) | To the Ambassador in Spain, Then in France (tel.) Belief that return to Madrid at this time would not be desirable. |
720 |
| Sept. 18 | From the Consul at Malaga (tel.) Explanation of situation leading to request for an American warship; evacuation of four Americans by the Hatfield, leaving 18 in Malaga; expectation of an attack on city. |
721 |
| Sept. 18 | To the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain (circ. tel.) Contribution of $10,000 by the American Red Cross to the International Committee of the Red Cross which, after consultation both with the Madrid Government and the Junta at Burgos, will establish delegations at Madrid and Barcelona, and at Burgos and Seville. |
721 |
| 1936 Sept. 19 | To the Ambassador in Spain, Then in France (circ. tel.) Advice that Consulates at Bilbao and Malaga have been closed, and that Consuls and American staff members were evacuated. (Footnote: Information as to circulation of this telegram.) |
722 |
| Sept. 19 (113) | From the Ambassador in Spain, Then in France
(tel.) Diplomatic Corps decision to ignore Government’s suggestion to return to Madrid. |
722 |
| Sept. 19 | From the Consul General at Barcelona (tel.) Description of worsening situation in the city. |
723 |
| Sept. 22 (134) | To the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain (tel.) Desire that serious consideration be given to desirability of closing the Madrid Embassy and Consulate and departing to a place of safety with all American staff members and any other Americans wishing to leave. |
724 |
| Sept. 22 (X–166) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Advice that note along the lines of Department’s No. 128, September 15, is being addressed to the Foreign Office; doubt as to whether Madrid Government is in a position to establish dollar credits in New York covering imports of cotton into Spain. |
725 |
| Sept. 23 (X–168) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Advice that Embassy is closed as a place of refuge, and that staff members are living at home; official advice of Government decision that all guards assigned to foreign missions and consulates be maintained. |
726 |
| Sept. 24 (135) | To the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain (tel.) Instructions to withdraw from Madrid at once, unless some imperative duty compels remaining. |
726 |
| Sept. 24 | From the Consul General at Barcelona (tel.) Requisition of the bank account of an American company by the local government; intention to lodge a protest. |
726 |
| Sept. 25 (X–174) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Considerations justifying remaining in Madrid until such time as insurgent threat to capital becomes definite and acute, and then to leave the country, if possible, in conjunction with British and French. |
727 |
| Sept. 26 | From the Consul General at Barcelona (tel.) Official assurance that, although cotton now in Barcelona could only be paid for in pesetas, future orders would be accompanied by dollars deposited in New York. |
728 |
| Sept. 26 | To the Consul General at Barcelona (tel.) List of points to be included in protest against requisition of the bank account of an American company. |
729 |
| Sept. 29 (140) | To the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain (tel.) Instructions that Embassy premises be closed in case of withdrawal, and that the Spanish senior employee act as custodian; other details relative to withdrawal. |
730 |
| 1936 Oct. 3 | To the Consul at Seville (tel.) Interception by the Kane of a radio message asserting insurgent intent to bomb certain ports without previous warning; instructions to check report orally and informally with insurgent commander in Seville and, if true, to indicate assumption that sufficient advance notice will be given to enable American officials and nationals to evacuate. |
731 |
| Oct. 4 | From the Consul General at Barcelona (tel.) Information that no reply has been received to representations made in accordance with Department’s instructions of September 26; further developments in respect to payments of checks. |
731 |
| Oct. 5 | From the Consul at Seville (tel.) Conversation with General Queipo de Llano, who confirmed radio message concerning bombardment, and said that advance notification is being given to foreign vessels and civil population of ports to be bombarded. |
732 |
| Oct. 6 | To the Consul at Seville (tel.) Instructions to inform Queipo de Llano of U. S. desire for assurances from General Franco that sufficiently definite advance notice of proposed bombardments be given. |
732 |
| Oct. 8 | From the Consul at Seville (tel.) Conversation with Queipo de Llano, who informed Franco of Department’s request and said that he would communicate reply as soon as received. |
733 |
| Oct. 8 | To the Consul General at Barcelona (tel.) Unwillingness to give general authority to evacuate Spanish employees of the Consulate General, but willingness to consider individual cases involving unusual circumstances. |
733 |
| Oct. 8 | From the Consul General at Barcelona (tel.) Advice that central labor organizations are commandeering all cotton in Cataluna without respect to ownership; intended representations to the Councilor of Economy. |
734 |
| Oct. 9 | From the Consul General at Barcelona (tel.) Councilor’s surprise at news of proposed cotton seizure; his intention to lay matter before the Council. |
734 |
| Oct. 10 | To the Consul General at Barcelona (tel.) Approval of Consul General’s action. |
735 |
| Oct. 10 | From the Consul General at Barcelona (tel.) Official assurance that Catalan government would guarantee payment of all cotton requisitioned. |
735 |
| Oct. 12 (156) | To the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain (tel.) Instructions to bring the case of Patriarca, a native-born American citizen captured while serving as an aviator with the Spanish insurgent forces, to the attention of the Prime Minister, and to request assurances that Patriarca will not be executed. |
735 |
| Oct. 13 (X–210) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Official assurance that Patriarca will not be executed, and that his deportation will be sought. |
736 |
| 1936 Oct. 13 (X–211) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Government’s concern over actions of certain diplomatic missions in Madrid, particularly the Chilean, in giving asylum to numerous Spaniards hostile to the regime; replacement of guards at Chilean Embassy. |
737 |
| Oct. 14 (159) | To the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain (tel.) Instructions not to participate in representations the Chilean Ambassador may make. |
738 |
| Oct. 15 (X–217) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Note verbale from Foreign Office with copy of official reports on Government air activities on August 30, showing no operations in the area where the Kane was attacked. |
739 |
| Oct. 17 | From the Consul General at Lisbon (tel.) From Stewart, Vigo: Report on three cases involving American citizens held by the authorities for alleged offenses. |
739 |
| Oct. 17 (161) | To the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain (tel.) Suggestion that, in view of threatening military situation, the officers of Embassy and Consulate take up residence in the Embassy. |
740 |
| Oct. 17 | From the Consul General at Barcelona (tel.) Receipt from Councilor of Economy of written undertaking to the effect that, pending: registry and control of cotton requisitions, the Catalan government assumes responsibility for American interests involved and payment of requisitions. |
740 |
| Oct. 18 | From the Consul at Seville (tel.) Substance of General Franco’s telegram relative to the bombing of ports, indicating that advance notice of bombardments is not possible, but that foreign property distinctly marked will be respected. |
741 |
| Oct. 18 (X–226 | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Substance of note from the Minister of State to the Chilean Ambassador on the question of asylum of Spanish citizens in foreign missions. Comment on merits of U. S. policy, affording refuge only to Americans. |
741 |
| Oct. 19 (162) | To the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain (tel.) Approval of views on asylum. |
743 |
| Oct. 19 | To the Consul at Seville (tel.) Instructions to ask General Queipo de Llano for appropriate instructions to Vigo authorities to permit sending and receiving of cipher telegrams by the Consulate at Vigo, now prohibited by the military. (Footnote: General Franco’s promise to arrange for freedom of communication with the Consulate at Vigo.) |
743 |
| Oct. 20 (229) | From the Ambassador in Argentina (tel.) Explanation to the Foreign Minister of U. S. attitude toward the right of asylum; advice that he spoke of the acceptance in principle of coordinated action in the asylum matter by all Latin American countries. |
744 |
| 1936 Oct. 21 (919) | To the Diplomatic Agent and Consul General at
Tangier Commendation for accurate interpretation of U. S. policy, in conversation with the British Vice Admiral at Tangier, with regard to protection of the American colony. |
744 |
| Oct. 21 (420) | To the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain (tel.) Instructions for explanation of U. S. policy to an American woman, released from imprisonment in Madrid on a charge of espionage, who proposes to consult Embassy with regard to publishing articles and delivering lectures in France concerning her Spanish experiences. |
745 |
| Oct. 22 (233) | From the Ambassador in Argentina (tel.) Argentine protest to the Madrid Government against its position on asylum as violating a right recognized and upheld by Latin America; indication that no Latin American joint action will be taken in the matter. |
745 |
| Oct. 22 (25) | To the Minister in Portugal (tel.) For Consul George M. Graves, Vigo: Instructions to submit a report on several persons arrested in the Vigo district, in order that U. S. officials can obtain a fair trial for those who have valid claim to American citizenship. |
746 |
| Oct. 23 (X–239) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Indications that Embassy will again be opened as a place of refuge, in view of the serious situation. |
747 |
| Oct. 25 (X–247) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Incorrectness of press reports that Embassy is open as a place of refuge; report on steps taken to safeguard Americans. |
747 |
| Oct. 28 (B–55) | To the Ambassador in Spain, Then in France (tel.) Belief that no action is required on behalf of three American correspondents, quoted as being “guests of the rebel command”; comment on informal procedure for contact with insurgent authorities in order to avoid interpretation of formal relations with Franco. |
748 |
| Oct. 29 (X–263) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Discussion by the Diplomatic Corps of the question of asylum to Spaniards, with the U. S., British, and Soviet representatives indicating that they wished to be excepted from any communications with the Spanish Government on the matter. |
749 |
| Oct. 30 | From the Consul General at Barcelona (tel.) Incidents involving threats to the safety of certain members of the Consular Corps resulting from their efforts to protect property of their nationals. Views as to the care which must be exercised in Consulate General’s efforts to protect American property interests. |
750 |
| Oct. 30 (180) | To the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain (tel.) Instructions to inform Foreign Office that if payment for cotton taken over in Barcelona by the Industrial Cotton Committee is not received by the American shippers, the U. S. Government will be looking to the Government of Spain for payment in full of all cotton taken over. |
750 |
| 1936 Oct. 30 (X–266) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Decree by the Ministry of War making all male Spaniards between the ages of 20 and 45 liable for military service; note verbale sent to the Ministry of State requesting that Spanish employees of Embassy and Consulate be exempted. |
751 |
| Nov. 4 | To the Consul at Seville (tel.) Desire that General Franco be urged through General Queipo de Llano not to allow death penalty against Francisco Lamas Zarauza, an American citizen tried in court martial proceedings at Ferrol; advice of similar instructions to Vigo. |
751 |
| Nov. 6 | To the Consul at Seville (tel.) Communication from Vigo that death sentence has been passed, and that only General Franco can prevent execution; instructions to bring urgency of case to Queipo de Llano’s attention. |
752 |
| Nov. 6 (X–285) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Advice that Patriarca was turned over to the Embassy upon representations to the Minister of State. (Information that Patriarca was evacuated November 27.) |
752 |
| Nov. 7 (58) | From the Minister in Portugal (tel.) Message from Consul at Vigo (text printed) stating that the Filipino Celaya will be tried by court martial on November 11, that either death sentence or life imprisonment will be requested and that Consul plans to be present at trial. |
753 |
| Nov. 7 (X–290) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Presence in Embassy of a considerable number of American nationals and Embassy employees, and estimate that possibly 150 persons may seek refuge there. |
753 |
| Nov. 7 (X–284) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Representations leading to official countermanding of an order to relieve present guards of American Embassy. |
753 |
| Nov. 7 (X–292) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Government’s decision to transfer the capital of the Republic to Valencia; intention of diplomatic representatives except the Soviet Ambassador, who was not present at Diplomatic Corps meeting, to remain in Madrid. |
754 |
| Nov. 9 (X–297) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Proclamation of safety zone for city bombardment by insurgents; advice that American flags are prominently displayed on Embassy grounds, and that no danger is apprehended at present. |
754 |
| Nov. 9 (37) | To the Minister in Portugal (tel.) For Graves at Vigo: Instructions for the Celaya case to be brought to General Franco’s attention. |
755 |
| Nov. 10 (X–301) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Supreme Court President’s request that Diplomatic Corps cooperate in the maintenance of order. Corps’ decision to urge Franco to cease aerial bombardment of Madrid, and to limit bombardment to fortified positions; and also to request Madrid Governor to guarantee safety of political prisoners. |
755 |
| 1936 Nov. 11 (X–303) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Circumstances leading to the release of Eduardo Ordonez, charged with complicity in Fascist intrigues against the Government; belief that no American nationals are now under arrest in Madrid. |
756 |
| Nov. 13 (62) | From the Minister in Portugal (tel.) From Graves at Vigo: Advice that Celaya was sentenced to 20 years in prison, and suggestion that question of mitigation of sentence can be taken up whenever the Department considers the time opportune. (Footnote: Information that death sentence of Francisco Lamas Zarauza was commuted to life imprisonment.) |
757 |
| Nov. 13 (X–309) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Offer by Diplomatic Corps delegation to cooperate fully with the military governor in undertakings for the safety of Madrid population; favorable press comments on Corps’ action. |
758 |
| Nov. 13 (41) | To the Minister in Portugal (tel.) For Graves, Vigo: Concurrence in suggestion for later appeal for mitigation of Celaya’s sentence and his ultimate release; request for a full report of the trial and an affidavit by Celaya stating his version of occurrences leading to his arrest. |
758 |
| Nov. 13 (X–311) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Contemplation by British Chargé of asking his Government to request insurgent authorities to extend Madrid safety zone to include the area where several diplomatic missions are located. |
759 |
| Nov. 14 (191) | To the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain (tel.) Instructions to keep Department informed of any British action relative to safety zone. |
759 |
| Nov. 15 (194) | To the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain (tel.) Telegram from Legation in Guatemala (text printed) indicating that Foreign Office desires U. S. protection of Guatemalan interests in Spain and assistance to the Guatemalan Chargé in Madrid to leave the country; instructions relative thereto. |
759 |
| Nov. 16 | To the Consul at Seville (tel.) Instructions to inquire of General Queipo de Llano as to the authenticity of a message received by the Legation at Lisbon warning that Barcelona may be bombed without notice; advice that the message received by Lisbon is being repeated to Consul General at Barcelona and to Navy Department. |
760 |
| Nov. 17 (X–317) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Offer of refuge to Guatemalan Chargé in case his life is endangered; inadvisability, however, of taking charge of Guatemalan interests. |
760 |
| Nov. 17 (X–319) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Understanding that an informal request to the Burgos government for extension of Madrid safety zone will be made by the British Ambassador. |
762 |
| Nov. 18 (196) | To the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain (tel.) Concurrence in opinion as to inadvisability of taking charge of Guatemalan interests, although shelter may be given to Chargé” and to such other Guatemalans as facilities permit. |
762 |
| 1936 Nov. 18 (X–323) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Diplomatic Corps resolution providing that each head of mission draw his Government’s attention to the Spanish situation with a view to moving the League of Nations or other appropriate international organizations to take action for ending or mitigating the slaughter of the civilian population. |
763 |
| Nov. 19 | To the Consul at Seville (tel.) Instructions to request General Queipo de Llano to inform General Franco of U. S. association with the British request to extend the Madrid safety zone sufficiently far west to include certain nearby Embassies and Legations. |
763 |
| Nov. 19 | From the Consul at Seville (tel.) National Government’s intention to stop all traffic with the port of Barcelona by all military measures, even destruction if necessary, and recommendation that foreign vessels and nationals depart at once. |
764 |
| Nov. 19 (X–326) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Note from Ministry of State at Valencia (text printed) indicating that no vessel may enter ports or territorial waters without prior authorization. |
764 |
| Nov. 19 (198) | To the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain (tel.) Willingness to support steps aiming at cessation of bombardment of the Madrid civil population, and request for information regarding reaction of the several Governments to the resolution of the Diplomatic Corps. |
765 |
| Nov. 19 (X–328) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Radio information that the neutral zone in Madrid has been extended. |
765 |
| Nov. 19 (X–329) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Suggestion by Argentine Chargé that food and clothing for Madrid civilians be sent through an international organization; request for Department’s opinion. |
766 |
| Nov. 20 (B–69) | To the Ambassador in Spain, Then in France (tel.) Telegrams sent to Madrid and Barcelona (texts printed) requesting immediate consideration of closing offices and evacuating staffs and American nationals. Request for recommendations. |
766 |
| Nov. 20 (X–331) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Serious position of German and Italian Embassies in view of their Governments’ recognition of the Franco government; message being forwarded, at request of the German Embassy, to the German Foreign Office (text printed) through U. S. Embassy at Berlin. |
767 |
| Nov. 20 | From the Consul General at Barcelona (tel.) Notice sent to Americans (text printed) indicating that those U. S. citizens remaining in Barcelona do so at their own risk, and that the Consulate General may be closed without notice. |
768 |
| Nov. 20 (X–332) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Advice that the Chilean Ambassador is representing Guatemalan interests, and that Embassy’s good offices, if requested, will be used only on behalf of Guatemalan nationals or in support of representations to authorities to respect Legation. |
768 |
| 1936 Nov. 21 (164) | From the Ambassador in Spain, Then in France
(tel.) Opinion that closing of Madrid Embassy and Consulate at Barcelona in the wake of German and Italian actions might be misinterpreted to the serious disadvantage of United States. |
769 |
| Nov. 21 (165) | From the Ambassador in Spain, Then in France
(tel.) Actions by the British and French Ambassadors, requesting Franco to confine bombing of Madrid to military purposes, and to spare the noncombatant population. |
769 |
| Nov. 22 (X–334) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Résumé of situation, and belief that evacuation should be put off a few days longer until outcome of expected insurgent attack is clear. |
770 |
| Nov. 22 (X–336) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Advice from the Minister of State at Valencia that he will provide automobiles for the evacuation of American nationals desiring to leave Madrid; arrangements for closing of Embassy. |
772 |
| Nov. 23 | To President Roosevelt (circ.
tel.) Advice of instructions sent to Wendelin in Madrid to proceed to Valencia with all Americans willing to leave Spain, and to remain with his staff at Valencia, after placing U. S. nationals aboard an American naval vessel. (Footnote: Information on circulation of this telegram.) |
773 |
| Nov. 23 (346) | From the Ambassador in Germany (tel.) Delivery to Foreign Office of message quoted in Madrid’s No. X–331 of November 20; informal explanation by Foreign Office official of the German position toward the Madrid Government, and expression of hoped-for U. S. aid, on a purely humanitarian basis, to certain Germans and Spaniards now without protection. |
773 |
| Nov. 24 (X–341) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Report on evacuation arrangements, and request that the Hatfield stand by at Valencia, in view of slight delay in leaving Madrid. Desire to put on record that every staff member is willing to continue on duty in Madrid. |
774 |
| Nov. 24 (X–346) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Indications that about 30 American nationals will decide to leave with staff; efforts to contact all remaining Americans outside of Embassy. Request of written assurances from authorities that Embassy and Consulate guards will not be removed or replaced. |
775 |
| Nov. 24 (X–347) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Expectation of early arrival of vehicles from Valencia for transportation of evacuees; explanation to the Minister of State that move to Valencia is actuated solely by U. S. concern for the safety of its nationals and is not influenced by political considerations. |
776 |
| Nov. 24 (X–349) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Assurance by Madrid Military Governor that every facility would be given for evacuation and for protection of the Embassy. Estimate that upward of 50 persons may decide to accompany staff to Valencia. |
776 |
| 1936 Nov. 25 (X–351) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Increase in number of persons wishing to leave, causing slight delay in departure; receipt of safe conducts from military authorities. |
777 |
| Nov. 26 (X–354) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Account of the taking over of the Italian and German Embassies by the Government. Problems connected with departure, particularly with regard to protection of Embassy. |
777 |
| Nov. 26 (X–358) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Departure of first party of evacuees at 7:15 a.m. (Footnote: Later telegram from Wendelin saying that he was leaving early in the afternoon.) |
779 |
| Nov. 27 (69) | From the Minister in Portugal (tel.) Receipt of note from the Burgos representative at Lisbon, designating neutral zones in ports of Tarragona, Valencia, Alicante, Cartagena, and Barcelona. |
779 |
| Nov. 29 (363) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Information concerning persons remaining in the Madrid Embassy, and U. S. nationals living outside. Advice that daily contact is being maintained with the Embassy at Madrid by telephone. |
779 |
| Dec. 2 | From the Consul General at Barcelona (tel.) Announcement by Catalan Council of Economy of forthcoming regulations for collectivization of businesses containing foreign interests. |
780 |
| Dec. 3 | To the Consul at Seville (tel.) Message (text printed) received by Legation at Lisbon from insurgent representative, warning against immediate aerial attacks on presumed enemy vessels in a specified zone, and indicating that ports in this zone will be mined; instructions to make representations against planned attacks, indicating that U. S. vessels will be in or adjacent to that zone. |
780 |
| Dec. 5 | From the Consul at Seville (tel.) Queipo de Llano’s promise to inform General Franco of Department’s protest. |
781 |
| Dec. 8 (X–379) | From the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain
(tel.) Suggestion that in view of public hostility directed against foreign missions in Madrid giving asylum to Spaniards believed to be enemies of the regime, it might be advisable to make public a statement that in accordance with U. S. noninterference policy, no Spaniards have been given asylum in U. S. Embassy. (Footnote: Information that Department considered inadvisable any public statement regarding American policy on asylum.) |
781 |
| Dec. 11 (74) | From the Minister in Portugal (tel.) Insurgent announcement that vessels navigating at night without lights in Spanish waters will be considered enemy vessels. |
782 |
| Dec. 11 (216) | To the Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain (tel.) Authorization to withdraw to a safe place, if expected insurgent invasion of Mediterranean coast endangers American nationals and staff in Valencia. |
782 |
| 1936 Dec. 12 | From the Consul General at Barcelona (tel.) Nonattendance at a meeting of the Consular Corps with the Councilor of Economy at which the Corps welcomed a suggestion to set up a free international zone in the port of Barcelona. |
783 |
| Dec. 16 (75) | From the Minister in Portugal (tel.) Receipt of a note from Spanish insurgent representative indicating that nine Spanish ports will be mined and fixing midnight December 20 for the departure of merchant vessels. Modification of previous Barcelona safety zone. |
783 |
| Dec. 17 | To the Consul at Seville (tel.) Inquiry as to any possible means of getting information from insurgents to the Department more quickly than through Lisbon. |
783 |
| Dec. 21 | From the Consul at Seville (tel.) Suggestion as to possibility of getting notices directly from military headquarters at Salamanca. |
784 |
| Dec. 21 (B–94) | To the Ambassador in Spain, Then in France (tel.) Information concerning schedule of U. S. vessels in Mediterranean waters; desire not to send any vessels into Spanish north coast ports until degree of mining has been determined. |
784 |
Negotiations Respecting a Trade Agreement Between the United States and Spain
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1935 Dec. 31 (78) | To the Ambassador in Spain (tel.) Instructions to telegraph significant provisions of Spanish exchange agreement with France, and provisions of a reported unpublished exchange of notes. |
785 |
| 1936 Jan. 2 (1) | From the Ambassador in Spain (tel.) Information as requested, and advice that a British commission is negotiating a clearing agreement; difficulty in commenting on the probable effect of the British and French agreements on U. S. interests because of nonreceipt of complete text of U. S. proposed treaty. |
785 |
| Jan. 4 (1) | To the Ambassador in Spain (tel.) Quotation from U. S. proposed agreement, and information that text of general provisions and schedules was sent on December 27. |
786 |
| Jan. 4 (2) | To the Ambassador in Spain (tel.) Concern over Spain’s exchange commitments to France and offer of a clearing agreement to Great Britain; request for latest figures on Spain’s invisible balance of payments with the world. |
787 |
| Jan. 8 (2) | From the Ambassador in Spain (tel.) Opinion that provisions of the Anglo-Spanish payments agreement, signed January 6, and the Franco-Spanish financial agreements may limit available dollar exchange to amount of Spanish exports to the United States until French and British arrears have been liquidated; information on Spanish invisible balance of payments. |
788 |
| 1936 Jan. 20 (4) | From the Ambassador in Spain (tel.) Résumé of events leading to the opinion that signing without undue delay of a commercial agreement with Spain would be to U. S. advantage. |
789 |
| Jan. 22 (4) | To the Ambassador in Spain (tel.) Concurrence in view that conclusion of a trade agreement with Spain would be advantageous, but belief that it would be unwise to hasten signing until Spain’s ability and intention to pay for U. S. exports is clarified. |
789 |
| Jan. 29 (8) | From the Ambassador in Spain (tel.) Information that 1936 contingents on certain American products are conditioned upon signature of commercial agreement. |
790 |
| Jan. 29 (1030) | From the Ambassador in Spain Substance of Foreign Office note which argues that the giving of exchange insurance only to countries with whom Spain has a favorable trade balance does not constitute discrimination against United States. |
791 |
| Mar. 25 | Memorandum by the Secretary of State Résumé of a conversation with the Spanish Ambassador with regard to the pending trade negotiations. |
791 |
| Apr. 6 (1096) | From the Ambassador in Spain Conversation with the Prime Minister, who showed sympathetic understanding for U. S. position regarding the treaty, and said he desired to solve the deferred exchange problem. |
792 |
| May 5 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Trade
Agreements Résumé of a conversation with the Spanish Ambassador, who said he would inquire as to his Government’s views on allocation of exchange for U. S. exports to Spain and on present blocked balances. |
793 |
| May 11 | Memorandum by the Secretary of
State Spanish Ambassador’s presentation of trade statistics, and his plea that the trade situation would be seriously disrupted if the United States should terminate the U. S.-Spanish modus vivendi; his reply to inquiry as to Spanish plans concerning devaluation. |
794 |
| (Note: Information that no further discussions regarding a trade agreement took place before the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War in July 1936.) | 795 |
SWITZERLAND
Reciprocal Trade Agreement Between the United States and Switzerland, Signed January 9, 1936
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1936 | (Note: Citation to text of agreement, and information regarding a supplementary agreement effected by an exchange of notes in July 1936.) | 796 |
| Jan. 9 | From the Swiss Minister Clarification of agreement provisions pertaining to the importation into Switzerland of lard, trucks and truck chassis; request for confirmation of receipt of note. |
796 |
| 1936 Jan. 9 | To the Swiss Minister Acknowledgment of receipt of note of January 9. |
797 |
| Jan. 9 | To the Swiss Minister Explanation of laws referred to in article II of the trade agreement. |
797 |
| Jan. 9 | From the Swiss Minister Acknowledgment of receipt of U. S. note of January 9 relative to the laws referred to in article II. |
797 |
Consideration of Possible Invocation by the United States of Escape Clause in the Reciprocal Trade Agreement, Following the Devaluation of the Swiss Franc
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1936 Oct. 2 | Memorandum by the Secretary of State Swiss Minister’s inquiry as to possible U. S. invocation of the escape clause in the U.S.-Swiss trade agreement in view of recent devaluation of the Swiss franc; suggestion to him that the Swiss Government might consider an announcement similar to that made by Belgium upon devaluation, that it would not permit undue exportations of commodities at unduly low prices. |
798 |
| Oct. 6 | Memorandum by Mr. Theodore C. Achilles of the
Division of Western European Affairs, of a Conversation Between the
Assistant Secretary of State and the Swiss Minister Swiss Minister’s request for further assurances that the escape clause would not be invoked, with explanation of ways in which the Swiss situation differed from the Belgian; assurance to the Minister of U. S. nonintention to take action at present. |
799 |
| Oct. 7 (70) | To the Minister in Switzerland (tel.) Résumé of conversations with the Swiss Minister; instructions to emphasize to Swiss officials the importance which U. S. Government attaches to the restoration of international trade, and to insist on a fair share of advantages resulting from any relaxation of Swiss import restrictions. |
800 |
| Oct. 13 (4624) | From the Minister in
Switzerland Conversation with Stucki, Delegate of the Swiss Federal Council for Foreign Trade, who explained reasons for devaluation of the franc, and expressed hope of proving Swiss appreciation of trade with the United States by application of liberalized measures. |
800 |
| Dec. 2 (91) | From the Minister in Switzerland (tel.) For Williamson: Fear that invocation of the escape clause would have far-reaching consequences, and request for authorization to negotiate a voluntary agreement, if Department considers immediate action indispensable. |
801 |
| Dec. 2 (83) | To the Minister in Switzerland (tel.) Advice that Department is most unwilling to invoke escape clause and does not contemplate doing so at this time. |
802 |
| Dec. 3 (4708) | From the Minister in Switzerland Discussion of political considerations in connection with increased exports from Switzerland of watches and watch movements; opinion that it is of real importance politically that United States avoid use of the escape clause if at all possible. |
802 |
Informal Representations Respecting Swiss Measures for the Control of Imports in Alleged Volition of the Reciprocal Trade Agreement
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1936 May 29 (46) | To the Minister in Switzerland (tel.) Instructions to collect facts tending to show that a new and special tax has been placed on American lard, and to report whether the tax is in violation of article I of the trade agreement. |
804 |
| June 9 (51) | From the Chargé in Switzerland (tel.) Information as requested, and opinion that it is a question of argument whether Switzerland has technically violated article I. Consul General’s observation that despite higher prices for imported lard, importers have no difficulty in selling all they are allowed to import. |
804 |
| July 25 (3640) | To the Chargé in Switzerland Reference to a regulation of the Swiss customs service, issued February 1, imposing a stamp tax on payments of duties on practically all imported products; instructions to investigate the tax and to make representations if it is found to be in violation of article I of the trade agreement. |
805 |
| Aug. 7 (3660) | To the Chargé in Switzerland Department’s opinion that the Swiss system for the control of lard importations and the tax on lard are in violation of the trade agreement, but that it might be desirable to make no more than an informal protest at this time. |
807 |
| Aug. 14 (4528) | From the Chargé in
Switzerland Representations relative to the stamp tax on payments of duties on practically all imported products, and information that discussion has been postponed pending return of certain officials to Bern. |
809 |
| Aug. 19 (4534) | From the Chargé in Switzerland Résumé of representations to Dr. Stucki concerning the stamp tax and the control of lard imports; Stucki’s promise to examine the situation. |
810 |
| Sept. 22 (4592) | From the Minister in Switzerland Dr. Stucki’s reply, September 19 (text printed), to the representations on the stamp tax and lard controls, in which he defends the legality of the measures adopted and gives detailed explanations of the Swiss attitude. |
812 |
YUGOSLAVIA
Consideration of Yugoslav Discriminatory Trade Practices and Proposals for a Trade Agreement With Yugoslavia
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1935 Dec. 3 | Memorandum by the Assistant Secretary of
State Conversation with Yugoslav Minister Fotitch, who inquired as to U. S. attitude with regard to a possible trade agreement and was told that the time was not opportune at present for negotiations; suggestion, however, of an exchange of notes similar to one concluded with Czechoslovakia. |
817 |
| 1936 July 6 | Memorandum by the Secretary of
State Fotitch’s attempt to explain recent Yugoslav embargo measures, calculated to affect American exports; Secretary’s remarks on the U. S. trade program as opposed to the bilateralism so prevalent in Europe. |
818 |
| 1936 Sept. 12 (581) | From the Minister in
Yugoslavia Conversations with Fotitch (in Yugoslavia for the summer), who is working energetically to induce his Government to abandon or at least modify the present system of import permits. |
820 |
| Sept. 15 (584) | From the Minister in Yugoslavia Résumé of a conversation with the Minister of Commerce, during which he gave assurance that there was no intentional discrimination against American goods. |
821 |
| Dec. 2 | Memorandum by the Chief of the Division of Near
Eastern Affairs Résumé of a discussion with Fotitch with regard to the possibility of an agreement to set aside certain provisions of the Treaty of 1881 without denouncing that treaty. Suggestion that two possible alternatives be offered the Yugoslav Government—a draft agreement and a draft modus vivendi, to be communicated to the Minister with a covering note embodying a statement of U. S. trade policy. |
822 |
| Dec. 17 | Memorandum by the Assistant Chief of the Division of
Near Eastern Affairs Delivery of Department’s note (infra) to the Yugoslav Minister; belief that he will present U. S. proposals, particularly the suggested modus vivendi, in a favorable light to his Government. |
825 |
| Dec. 17 | To the Yugoslav Minister Alternative proposals (texts printed), one a draft modus vivendi, and the other a draft agreement setting aside certain articles of the Treaty of 1881, accompanied by a draft exchange of notes (text printed). |
825 |
| Dec. 21 (42) | From the Minister in Yugoslavia (tel.) Assistant Foreign Minister’s proposal for an informal conversation concerning present Yugoslav import restrictions; request for information on status of negotiations in Washington. |
830 |
| Dec. 23 (17) | To the Minister in Yugoslavia (tel.) Information on proposal made to Fotitch on December 17; desirability that conversations be delayed until text of note and enclosures have been received at the Foreign Office, or until copies have been received by the Legation. |
831 |
Liability of American Citizens Having Dual Nationality for Military Service When Visiting Yugoslavia
| Date and number | Subject | Page |
| 1936 Feb. 4 (136) | To the Minister in Yugoslavia Instructions to inquire whether the attitude of the Yugoslav Government has changed concerning the possibility of concluding a treaty regarding naturalized citizens and persons born with dual nationality, first proposed by the Department in 1931. |
831 |
| Apr. 9 (501) | From the Minister in Yugoslavia Favorable attitude of Foreign Office toward the naturalization treaty, but unfavorable attitude of the Ministry of War and Marine; Foreign Office intention to seek views of Yugoslav Minister Fotitch in Washington. |
832 |
| 1936 Apr. 23 (513) | From the Minister in Yugoslavia Foreign Office compliance with request that Yugoslav Consulates in the United States be instructed to inform American citizens of Yugoslav origin, planning to visit Yugoslavia, of the conditions under which they may visit Yugoslavia with immunity from military service. |
833 |
| Aug. 6 [561] | From the Chargé in Yugoslavia Comments on text of a new paragraph which Department plans to include in the Notice to Bearers of Passports, concerning conditions under which an American citizen of Yugoslav origin may visit Yugoslavia with immunity from Yugoslav military service. |
834 |
| Sept. 15 (585) | From the Minister in Yugoslavia Résumé of conversations with Fotitch, now in Yugoslavia, and Foreign Office officials, indicating their favorable attitude toward the naturalization treaty, but fear of opposition from the Ministry of War. |
835 |
| Dec. 17 (181) | To the Minister in Yugoslavia Revised version of the new paragraph (text printed) for incorporation in the Notice to Bearers of Passports. |
835 |