852.00/5552: Telegram
The Counselor of Embassy in Spain (Thurston) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 29—12:30 a.m.]
652. Based upon comments alleged to have been published in Berlin and Rome newspapers with respect to the danger to which German and Italian war vessels on non-intervention patrol service had been exposed by Government air attacks on Palma de Mallorca, the Ministry of National Defense day before yesterday and yesterday issued statements to the effect that in that harbor were ships engaged in the transport of war material to the rebels, that control service cannot be [Page 307] exercised by ships of any nationality within Spanish waters and much less in its port, and that since Palma de Mallorca is not within the sphere of German patrol service the German vessel there was not in harbor in connection with such a mission, the same general observations applying to the Italians.
Today the Commander of the German Naval forces in the Mediterranean addressed a protest to the Spanish military authorities against repeated “approach in manner of attack” of Government planes to German war vessels engaged in control service, and warning that “orders have been given for corresponding counter measures” should the offense be repeated. The Minister of Defense has replied denying that Government planes have made aggressive flights over foreign war ships engaged in patrol work, pointing out that if such service is performed at the distance and under the conditions stipulated the vessels will be free [of] all danger from the Government aviation and naval services “a guaranty they will not enjoy if they imprudently and unwarrantedly anchor in ports [which were well-known] centers of rebel activity, against whom the Government is not obliged to restrain its action.”