852.00/6910
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Spain (Bowers), Then in France
Dear Mr. Ambassador: I have received your letter of October twenty-third regarding the visit to you of two representatives of the Minister of Justice in the Basque Government, who presented to you a statement regarding the violation of the terms of capitulation made by the Basques with the Italians.
The unfortunate situation of the Basque people has undoubtedly aroused much sympathy both in this country and elsewhere. At the same time it must be observed that we are not in a position to intervene to obtain the fulfillment of the terms of this capitulation. As I remarked in my letter to you of October eighth, with reference to the communication from Señor Aguirre regarding the capitulation agreed upon by the Basque authorities and the Italian command on the Santander front, we have been particularly careful in the observance of our policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of another country throughout the course of the present unfortunate conflict in Spain.
Under the circumstances there is no action that we can consistently take in this matter, and I am glad that you have made this clear to the representatives who called upon you, so that no false hopes may be entertained of possible intervention by this Government.
Sincerely yours,