852.6363/810: Telegram
The Ambassador in Spain (Hayes) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 3—12:47 a.m.]
1128. You ask me in your 984, May 1, 4 p.m., to delay sailing of two or three tankers. I shall do my best to comply with your request though I deem it most unfair, unfortunate, and inopportune. Just when Spanish Government has conceded to U. S. release and exodus of over a thousand military refugees to North Africa to fight against the Axis I have to express our thanks by alleging some fanciful reasons which can hardly deceive the Spaniards why their tankers, whose departure I have authorized in strict accordance with a program agreed to by the American and British Governments last December, may not sail, or if they have already sailed why they will be refused loadings in the Caribbean.