Office of the Historian

852.00/4749: Telegram

The Chargé in the United Kingdom (Atherton) to the Secretary of State

London, February 19, 1937—7 p.m.
[Received February 19—4:05 p.m.]

80. Foreign Office understands interested governments are taking necessary steps that prohibition of volunteers be effective midnight February 20.

Non-Intervention Committee met yesterday and again this afternoon. French Ambassador continued to raise objections but Foreign Office considers this for internal reasons in view of the necessary legislation for prohibition of volunteers.

Portuguese Government has agreed to accept British observers attached to the British Embassy in Lisbon at Portuguese frontier (and Portuguese ports), under the same conditions as it is proposed to establish controls on Franco-Spanish frontier and this action of the Portuguese Government has been generally accepted. The details of cooperation for a naval cordon are under discussion by the Committee at this moment.

Atherton