711.52/198: Telegram
The Ambassador in Spain (Weddell) to the Secretary of State
[Received 6:28 p.m.]
866. My 858, September 24, 5 p.m., and Department’s 524, September 27, 8 p.m. Cárdenas called yesterday afternoon and told me he had just seen Franco and Suñer and that the latter purposes inviting me to call, most probably Tuesday,38 to discuss general relations between our respective Governments and that following this meeting which he, Cárdenas, hoped and earnestly believes would and could be carried out in an agreeable atmosphere I would be immediately notified of Franco’s intention to promptly receive me; Cárdenas thinks this would be the second or third proximo.
I told Cárdenas that I would await Suñer’s invitation and hoped the interview would be a harmonious one.
Cárdenas then informed me that he had had long conversations with his people and that the need for help to Spain from the United States was “desperate”, mentioning especially gasoline. In this connection he said an impression existed in certain official circles that we were at least inclined to procrastinate in granting export licenses for the commodity mentioned with a view to exercising pressure here. He referred specifically to the case of the steamships Campomanes and Badalona; see my 859, September 24, 6 p.m.39 He himself did not share the feeling mentioned and had so informed his Government.
In stressing Spain’s needs my visitor laid equal emphasis on Spain’s helpless position vis-à-vis Germany.
The Ambassador further said he had talked at length concerning the hostility of the local press to the United States and had urged a more [Page 924] moderate tone. The reply to this was that if American newspapers attacked Spain the Spanish press would strike back.
He had countered this by urging that at least Arriba, the official organ of the party, abstain from publishing offensive matter.
Continuing his remarks, the Ambassador said in strictest confidence that I must realize that in my conversations I was dealing with young and inexperienced men, men unversed in international relations, and that he hoped I would not overlook this in my approaching talks.
In conclusion, Cárdenas counseled me to say nothing to Suñer relative to withdrawing the two notes exchanged between the Minister and myself as suggested by the Nuncio. I replied that I would follow his suggestion.