852.00/7603: Telegram
The Ambassador in Italy ( Phillips ) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 25—10:30 a.m.]
73. In the course of my conversation with the Foreign Minister yesterday I mentioned the Secretary of State’s press statement showing the attitude of the American Government with regard to the recent bombing of Barcelona. Ciano argued that there were two points in regard to Barcelona which should be borne in mind: one, it was not an “open” city, it was not only the center of the “Red” Government but also the center of large military supplies, men, and ammunition; and two, the Italian Government had no authority or direction over Italian planes operating in Spain which were directed exclusively by General Franco. Ciano then added, however, that the Italian Government had advised against the continuance of this method of warfare and called my attention to the fact that bombardments had ceased.