711.52/191: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Spain (Weddell)
539. The Department is disturbed by persistence of reports to the effect that petroleum products and particularly gasoline supplied by [Page 930] this country to Spanish tankers are transferred at sea to Axis ships or reexported to Axis destinations from Spain. These reports are in part based upon statements made by officers and seamen of Spanish tankers.
In view of the assurances contained in your telegram no. 834 of September 16, 5 p.m., you are requested to reconsider this matter in the light of the above and report your findings by telegraph for the information of high authorities in this country.