852.48/774: Telegram
The Ambassador in Spain (Weddell) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10:15 p.m.]
614. My 606, October 31, 8 [9] p.m. The Foreign Minister told me today that the matter of the gift of Red Cross wheat and flour to Spain had been discussed in the Council of Ministers and that the stipulations laid down in the Department’s 250, October 12, 3 p.m. had been accepted; also that the text of the press release proposed by the Department in your 257, October 18, 3 p.m., was equally acceptable. He added that a written reply to the above would be sent to me shortly and further that the Caudillo would receive me within the [Page 828] next day or so to repeat to me his previous personal assurances on this subject.
In these circumstances I repeat that recommendation made in my 606, October 31, is not impractical and urge that preparations for immediate shipment of Red Cross wheat or flour to Spain be expedited in order that public announcement may be made through the American and Spanish press immediately following my interview with the Caudillo in the event the Department considered his assurances acceptable.