852.00/4326: Telegram
The Ambassador in the United Kingdom ( Bingham ) to the Secretary of State
[Received January 11—4:26 p.m.]
13. My 10, January 8, 7 p.m.14 Following the Cabinet meetings of Friday and Saturday the British Government published last night the text of the identic notes for delivery to the German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, and French Governments15 in furtherance of the exchange of views based upon the Franco-British proposals of December 24 for stopping the flow of foreign volunteers into Spain. I understand the substance of this note has been cabled by the press as well as the Government’s warning against the enlistment of British subjects for service in Spain.
According to the Foreign Office some 3 weeks ago the Spanish Ambassador called on the Foreign Secretary and expressed apprehensions regarding German military and economic activity in Spanish Morocco and particularly the fear that if Germany established herself in this zone it would be impossible later to dislodge her. British inquiries through their Consul at Tetuan and other sources have so far failed to justify the Spanish Ambassador’s apprehension or latest press stories emanating from Paris. The Foreign Office then very discreetly pointed out to me that on previous occasions when some progress among the powers represented on the Non-intervention Committee seemed possible this prospect had been “beclouded” by alarmist reports in the French press.
I gather that for fear this latest French disquiet over Morocco might in fact further confound the international situation the British Cabinet decided to act with the promptitude referred to in first paragraph above.
The Foreign Office gave me to understand that since it was prepared to take immediate action in rendering the enlistment of British subjects for service in Spain unlawful it had been decided to make the latest British démarche alone since any hope [of] immediate and concurrent action by France was improbable owing to the absence from Paris of Blum16 and Delbos.17 Furthermore, I gathered the British felt since they were not accused of breaches of the non-intervention agreement a direct British approach would have more chance of success than if made in conjunction with the French.
[Page 223]The Foreign Office went on to say that opinion in this country was definite against any active intervention in Spain other than by negotiation and that although in the French press there had appeared discussions of joint Anglo-French naval action the British Government had not considered such action.
In conclusion, the Foreign Office stated that the recent arrival of Italian and German volunteers had strengthened the anti-Franco sentiment in this country and maintained very much the position reported in my 593, December 3, 6 p.m.,18 that while the Spanish situation may drag on for some time, nevertheless, those nations most vitally concerned are desirous of limiting the scope of the conflict in Spain.