711.52/214: Telegram
The Ambassador in Spain (Weddell) to the Secretary of State
[Received December 9—9:15 a.m.]
1024. For the Secretary and the Under Secretary. I am constrained to bring to your notice that I am being really embarrassed through failure to be more fully informed concerning negotiations being conducted by the Department with the Spanish Government through Ambassador Cárdenas.
I equally feel it my duty to report that the general impression here is that in effect, if not in declaration, we are applying an embargo on exports to Spain especially in the matter of petroleum products. The effect of this on public opinion is highly adverse especially in the case of those elements who are otherwise inclined to be favorable to our policies and ideals.
Returning to the question of petroleum products the suspension of exports from the United States until such time as an understanding can be reached with Spain may take weeks. Meanwhile the scarcity of these products here is daily more acute and threatens the entire economic structure. Franco himself is reliably reported to be closely following petroleum developments and the matter thus takes on an added political significance at this time.
In these circumstances I think it my duty to recommend that favorable consideration be given to the prompt release of at least 1 if not 2 of the Spanish tankers now lying in the United States. I do not overlook the critical international situation but in the case of any vessels proceeding to a Spanish port, control over them can be applied almost up to their entry. I also think that action in the above sense would incline the Spanish Government to accept the control which the Department is suggesting.
In a previous telegram I suggested that the Spanish situation should be studied in the light of boldest realism carefully weighing what the maintenance of existing non-belligerency means to the general cause. Reiterate this recommendation.