852.00/6884: Telegram
The Ambassador in Argentina ( Weddell ) to the Secretary of State
[Received 3:05 p.m.]
216. The Foreign Minister yesterday spoke to me of the Spanish situation and said that having in mind the fact that the Franco Government [Page 445] now appears to be in control of about three-quarters of the national territory and in view of the probable withdrawal of volunteers, which latter he thought would be an act of relief to Spanish pride and individualism, he wondered whether the moment is not propitious for some collective recognition of belligerency by the American Republics and said he would be interested to know the views of my Government.
He said that one effect of this recognition would be to give to the Franco authorities the right to visit ships. He also mentioned that Great Britain seemed to be coming to an understanding and was considering appointing an “agent” near the Franco Government. In his opinion a desirable feature of the recognition of belligerency would be that it would offer an opportunity to democratic powers to make their influence felt in the circles of the Franco Government and would counteract deleterious influences.
I gathered from the general tone of the Minister’s remarks that he would welcome some expression concerning our attitude.