740.0011 European War 1939/8228: Telegram
The Ambassador in Spain (Weddell) to the Secretary of State
[Received 4:55 p.m.]
98. Department’s 16, January 8, 6 p.m., my 78, January 19 [29] 6 p.m. The British Minister informed me last night that in a long interview with the Chief of State yesterday he discussed with him the general subject of Anglo-Spanish relations and left with Franco a memorandum of his Government’s views on these relations.
The Ambassador also told me that having failed in his repeated efforts to obtain from the Minister for Foreign Affairs written confirmation of his verbal promises concerning capitulations at Tangier he intended to write him a letter setting forth his understanding of these engagements and assurances and would then let the matter rest there.
I told the Ambassador that in these circumstances I felt I should no longer delay making known to the Spanish Government the view of my Government on the Tangier situation something which I had deferred doing at his request. He expressed his thanks for this consideration adding that it would seem useless to wait further.
I am therefore seeking an early opportunity to carry out instructions contained in the Department’s telegram under reference.