852.48/782: Telegram
The Ambassador in Spain ( Weddell ) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 18—7:50 a.m.]
654. The Naval Attaché40 informs me that he has just been told by the chief of the Spanish Merchant Marine Shipping Board that he has been ordered by the Minister of Industry and Commerce to hold in readiness one-half of his tramp tonnage or approximately 350,000 tons of shipping to be sent to a destination to be indicated later for the purpose of bringing wheat to Spain of a total tonnage of 450 tons which will be supplied by Germany.
The British Chargé d’Affaires tells me that he has been informed that such an offer has been made. However, I share the Naval Attaché’s entire skepticism as to the feasibility of effective deliveries.
The subject appears to be of interest as indicating the efforts which Germany is now making to offset any offers of foodstuffs which might be made to Spain by any other Governments.
- Commander Ben H. Wyatt.↩