852.48/799: Telegram
The Ambassador in Spain (Weddell) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 4—6:05 a.m.]
700. My No. 697, December 3, 11 a.m. The British Ambassador tells me that in an agreeable conversation today with the Foreign Minister the latter advised him of the acceptance by his Government of our various conditions relating to wheat and credit negotiations and then emphasized to him the gravity of the situation as regards wheat needs.
The Ambassador says he told the Minister that it was the desire of his Government to make its policy with Spain harmonize with that of the United States even if it did not follow identical lines and that in this desire they were prepared to negotiate a further loan which for the present the Ambassador added to me would probably not exceed 2,000,000 pounds, to be spread over the next few months. He also informed the Foreign Minister that there was approximately 100,000 tons of Canadian wheat available but that Spanish vessels must be provided for its transportation. Help in the above ways was to be conditioned on adequate publicity and a cessation in press attacks on Great Britain.
The Ambassador tells me he was struck with the complete change in attitude of the Foreign Minister from his previous interview a few days ago.
The Ambassador has already placed the foregoing before his Government and anticipates instructions permitting him to begin negotiations at once.