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  4. Document 698

852.00/8916: Telegram

The Counselor of Embassy in Spain ( Thurston ), Then in France, to the Secretary of State
Perpignan , February 4, 1939—noon.
[Received February 4—11:23 a.m.]

1205. The Belgian Chargé d’Affaires who is unusually well informed has just advised me that the British Minister was requested by Negrin night before last to endeavor to arrange terms of capitulation on behalf of the Spanish Government with General Franco. The bases upon which the Government desires to rest its surrender appear to be the following points made in Negrin’s message to the Cortes on February 1st:

(a)
that Spanish independence and territorial integrity be guaranteed;
(b)
that the Spanish people be guaranteed the right to choose their destiny; and
(c)
a guarantee that there shall be no persecution.

Thurston