Foreign Relations of the United States Diplomatic Papers, 1938, General, Volume I

852.00/7278: Telegram

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

London, January 31, 1938—7 p.m.
[Received January 31—3:30 p.m.]

79. I was called to the Foreign Office and informed that Mr. Eden¹² would be grateful if I would inform you of the following:

The recent intensification of air bombardment of towns in Spain had moved Mr. Eden to draft a telegram to both parties in Spain without taking the matter up first with the Non-Intervention Committee as was done last June when the Committee addressed communications to the two parties through British representatives.¹³

The telegram points out that the British public is deeply stirred by the recent bombings and recalls the above-mentioned communications of the Non-Intervention Committee of last June urging that both sides abstain from the destruction of all open towns and villages and other objectives of a non-military character, whether by bombardment from the air, or by land or sea, or any other means. The telegram points out that this is based on universally accepted principles and that the killing and injuring of civil population is inadmissible. The telegram adds that the British Government realizes the difficulties which exist in determining what is a military objective. The telegram states that if the two parties in Spain would desire it the British Government stands ready to extend its good offices with a view to the amelioration of the suffering of the civil population. In conclusion the two parties are informed that the telegram will not be made public until their replies are received.

Mr. Eden hoped the Secretary of State would be willing to make a public statement to the effect that the United States Government understands that the British Government views with great concern the recent intensification of air bombardment of towns in Spain; that the United States Government likewise understands that the British Government is contemplating an approach to the two parties in Spain having in view the greater security of the civil population; and that this has the sympathy of the United States Government.

In conveying the foregoing the Foreign Office said that naturally Mr. Eden would be glad if the United States Government might feel in a position to make a similar approach to the two parties in Spain.

Johnson

12. Anthony Eden, British Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.
13. See Foreign Relations, 1937, vol. i, pp. 296–332.