740.0011 European War 1939/10175: Telegram

The Ambassador in Spain ( Weddell ) to the Secretary of State

341. My 340, April 20, 2 p.m. For the Secretary and Under Secretary. My opinion of the gravity of the situation here, allied to the information transmitted in my several recent telegrams, inclines me to think that the visit suggested in my telegram under reference could only have practical results if in addition to the authorized declaration of our policy I were also authorized to inform the Caudillo:

(1) That save in the event of the adoption of an unfriendly attitude by Spain to the British and Allied cause, the United States Government is prepared to give sympathetic consideration to Spain’s import needs for materials now subject to American embargo such as for scrap iron, et cetera; (2) and that we are also prepared to collaborate with the appropriate Spanish authorities in drawing up a program for the supply of goods for which Spain may have adequate exchange and which are now subject to licenses or other delaying controls, so as to accelerate the handling of applications covering Spain’s most urgent requirements. In this connection I refer to my 142, February 25, 5 p.m.14

Weddell
  1. Not printed.