740.0011 European War 1939/27175: Telegram
The Ambassador in Spain (Hayes) to the Secretary of State
[Received 8:31 p.m.]
102. In my 1705, November 6, 10 p.m.,4 I reported that on that day I had transmitted to Jordana5 an offer of American assistance in event [Page 596] of German aggression against Spain in accordance with the President’s authorization contained in Department’s 1161, November 4, 6 p.m.6
No specific reply was ever made by Jordana nor was any reply expected particularly since the offer was made prior to our landing in North Africa7
Since the date of our landing relations between the United States and Spain have steadily improved, our guarantees have been accepted, and Spain has made clear in various ways its determination to remain out of the war. I believe that the improvement in Spain’s relations with the United Nations has been to the detriment of its relations with the Axis.
I consider that the next logical step for us to take is to renew in more specific terms our offer of military assistance to Spain in the event of German aggression. There is some reason to believe that if Germany should be impelled by overwhelming military reasons to enter Spain the entry may take place between the latter part of February and May. If we are to extend a specific military offer of military assistance in the event of German entry it would be desirable, therefore, to be prepared to offer it in the near future.
Before approaching the Foreign Minister on this subject I believe it desirable for Colonel Hohenthal,8 who is now in Madrid, to proceed to North Africa to discuss with General Eisenhower9 the specific assistance we would be prepared to render in the event of German entry in order that I may have that information when I approach the Foreign Minister.
I have in mind that even though our offer of assistance is not accepted in advance we shall have gained by (1) impressing on the Spaniards our ability as well as our willingness to assist, (2) exploring the Spanish attitude at a time when information concerning that attitude will be very valuable.
If we should be successful in obtaining Spain’s acceptance in advance of American military assistance in the event of German entry, a possible next development might be the initiation of staff conversations or at least some direct conversations between American and Spanish military officers.
[Page 597]Under present conditions I doubt that the Spaniards would dare to accept an offer of assistance or to engage in staff conversations with us out of fear of possible German reaction. However, we cannot accurately predict what the situation will be a month hence and I believe it important to be prepared for any contingency. The background which Colonel Hohenthal can give General Eisenhower and can bring back will be very helpful in that connection.
If Department and War Department agree, will the War Department please instruct Colonel Hohenthal to visit North Africa for the purpose indicated. Colonel Hohenthal agrees.
- Foreign Relations, 1942, vol. iii, p. 303.↩
- Gen. Francisco Gόmez Jordana, Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs.↩
- Foreign Relations, 1942, vol. iii, p. 303.↩
- The lauding took place on November 8, 1942; see telegram No. 559, November 8, 1942, 6 a.m., from the Chargé at Tangier, ibid., vol. ii, p. 430.↩
- Col. William D. Hohenthal, Military Attach at Lisbon, on special mission to Madrid.↩
- Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, Commander in Chief of the Allied Expeditionary Forces in North Africa.↩