652.1115/97: Telegram
The Ambassador in Spain (Weddell) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11:08 p.m.]
531. For the Secretary and Under Secretary. My 528, September 30, 11 p.m. On calling on the Foreign Minister tonight at his request in the matter of Mr. Paderewski,28 he drew me aside and with the utmost gravity of manner said textually:
“Your President can change the policy of Spain and of Europe by a telegram announcing that wheat will be supplied to Spain.” He repeated this solemnly and slowly, adding that a first cargo in an American bottom “would have a profound effect” and that “I wish to tell you that the psychological moment has arrived.”
I repeat my previously expressed conviction that any aid from the United States effectively to strengthen Spanish determination to remain apart from the conflict must be prompt.
- Ignace J. Paderewski, member of the National Council of the Polish Government-in-exile at London. Mr. Paderewski had been arrested by the police in September while in Spain. The Spanish Foreign Minister claimed that German influence on police officials was responsible for the incident.↩