852.00/8922: Telegram
The Ambassador in Spain (Bowers), Then in France, to the Secretary of State
[Received February 6—10:30 a.m.]
574. Thurston’s telegram February 4, noon. The alleged request by Negrin merely submits to Franco directly the precise terms for peace frequently announced by Negrin and in the very words used in his Cortes speech of last Wednesday night. These terms manifestly improbable of Franco’s acceptance and the Cortes and Government, agreeing as they have to the terms, unanimously voted for no surrender without this acceptance. My impression is if Thurston’s informant is correct that Negrin’s purpose is to force a formal official rejection of the terms for the sake of the record or their acceptance.