852.00/8358: Telegram
The Counselor of Embassy in Spain (Thurston) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 16—9:30 a.m.]
1025. My 979, June 16, noon.88 The British Minister informed me this evening that he was requested by President Azana to meet him a few days ago in the distant town of Vich. At the resulting interview Azana stated that while he accepted the possibility of Franco’s ultimate defeat the attainment of that end would entail a prolonged conflict which would leave Spain prostrate and that he desires to bring the war to an early end to avoid further destruction.
He believes that this can be effected through the application of the Non-intervention Committee’s plan for the withdrawal of foreign volunteers—in connection with which a cessation of fighting might be brought about during which a plan of amnesty could be agreed upon which would facilitate and lead to an armistice and final peace. If the prospects for the success of such a program should so warrant Azana is prepared to reorganize the government to include men who would carry it out.
Mr. Leche did not say whether he was requested to make concrete proposals to his Government (presumably necessary for an approach to Franco through Italy) but I assume that he was.
- Not printed.↩