123M431/163: Telegram
The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in France (Bullitt)
161. We have naturally been giving considerable thought to our representation in Spain should we recognize the Franco régime. While a new Ambassador will be appointed and a new Counselor will be designated, it is obvious that considerable time must elapse before they can reach their post. On principle, we do not desire to send into Franco Spain any diplomatic official who has served in Spain during the civil strife. What we are at present considering is to order Matthews46 to Burgos or Madrid immediately upon recognition, to remain pending the arrival of a new Counselor, after which he will return to his post in Paris. Matthews should start making necessary preparations in order that he may be prepared to leave on the shortest [Page 766] possible notice after his orders are issued. We hope very much that this will not unduly inconvenience you, and shall undertake to shorten Matthews’ absence to the bare minimum.
- H. Freeman Matthews, First Secretary of Embassy in France.↩