352.0022/59: Telegram
The Chargé in Chile (Trueblood) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5:35 p.m.]
108. At a meeting called by the Foreign Minister this morning of the Chiefs of Missions of the American Republics accredited here, Senor Ortega explained the situation created by the Spanish Government’s refusal to recognize the right of asylum affecting 17 Republican Spaniards now lodged in Chilean Embassy in Madrid. In addition to refusing to allow these persons (none of whom the Minister said was guilty of civil crimes) safe conduct to leave Spain, the Spanish Government has declined to accept a Chilean Ambassador until the issue is settled. In view of the impasse thus created and in view of the fact that in the Chilean Government’s opinion a juridical question only is involved, the Foreign Minister stated he had decided to place the matter before the representatives of the American Republics, the great majority of which endorse the principle of asylum on both legal and humanitarian grounds. He therefore hoped that the other Republics would see their way to make clear in a friendly way to the Spanish Government their spirit of continental solidarity in regard to this problem.
Representatives of Guatemala, Bolivia, Dominican Republic and Argentina spoke briefly and expressed their personal sympathy with Chile’s position.
A memorandum setting forth the above was handed each diplomatic representative with the request that the matter be brought to the attention of their respective governments. The text and translation will be sent by next air mail leaving here June 18.55a
Immediately following meeting the Acting Chief of the Diplomatic Section explained to me that while his Government was thoroughly aware of our Government’s attitude regarding asylum they had not wished to leave us out of their collective consultation. He pointed out that Cuba and Mexico had been included although they did not have diplomatic relations with the new Spanish Government. He said that his Government hoped I would cable my Government regarding the matter which I agreed to do and added that the Chilean Ambassador in Washington has also received appropriate instructions.
[Page 780]The Embassy feels that anything we could properly do to assist in clearing up the present unsatisfactory situation would be desirable. In connection with this matter see Embassy’s despatch No. 708, June 2, page 3.56