740.0011 European War 1939/32599: Telegram

The Military Attaché in Spain (Hohenthal) to the War Department 47

[Paraphrase]

421. Spanish Air Ministry advises Military Attaché Madrid that two bi-motored Allied planes flew over city and port of Las Palmas for 20 minutes at noon on the 28 October exchanging shots with Spanish pursuit planes at altitude of 400 meters. It is hoped by Ministry that American pilots are instructed to observe Spanish neutrality.

Colonel Hohenthal states that several incidents of this nature have been reported. The American Consul reports that American and British planes frequently fly over that city. Reports by the way of Gibraltar quotes that the crew of the plane mentioned in the first paragraph threatening to return and bomb airport at Las Palmas.

Colonel Hohenthal reports most cordial relations with Spanish Air Ministry and says he is allowed immediate possession from interned planes of secret papers and equipment which has greatly eased repatriation through Spain of many American aviators. It is desired that the smooth workings of the evacuation machinery be maintained and therefore Air command should be requested to brief air crews concerning the rights of neutrals. Hohenthal asked to be advised of any Spanish Air Force hostile action.

Hohenthal
  1. This telegram was paraphrased by the War Department and copy sent to the Department of State.