711.52/200: Telegram
The Ambassador in Spain (Weddell) to the Secretary of State
[Received 9:04 p.m.]
873. My 868, September 30, 7 p.m. If the Department approves I intend at my approaching interview with General Franco to talk with him concerning economic cooperation along the lines set forth in my following telegram No. 87441 and to leave a memorandum with him to that effect.
Following this I propose to inform him verbally that in my interview with the Foreign Minister on Tuesday when the question of gasoline supplies from the United States was mentioned he had remarked that if Spain’s non-belligerency meant anything to the British cause Spain must not be “strangled” in respect to motor fuel. And that further in this connection I wished to suggest to him in the most friendly way that a threat of belligerency on the part of his Government would automatically render it impossible for the United States to continue to discuss economic cooperation.
As I may see the Caudillo on Friday42 but probably on Saturday the Department’s early reply is requested.