852.6363/1026: Telegram
The Ambassador in Spain (Hayes) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 28—2:50 p.m.]
2324. My 2148, August 14, 1 p.m. In note dated August 25, Foreign Minister accepts various conditions proposed by United States [Page 705] for furnishing aviation gasoline with following suggested modification;
- 1.
- He would like us to agree to furnish a quantity of 100–octane gasoline as soon as agreement reached for purchase by Spain of three Douglas transport planes forcelanded in Spain. Since planes of no value to Spain unless gasoline available and since furnishing gasoline contingent on our selling planes, I recommend agreement.
- 2.
- He accepts figure of 320 tons gasoline monthly as provisional but expresses hope figure can be raised to 420 and later to 600. He proposes following addition to pertinent article: “These figures (of 320 tons monthly and imports 640 tons stocks) are considered to be initial and may be increased according to need by agreement of both parties.” The figures 420 and 600 coincide with Air Ministry’s request a year ago to permit operation of military planes and training of pilots. As the Minister’s proposal does not commit us beyond our offer, I recommend approval.
- 3.
- With reference to inspection of stocks, he proposes that such inspection be limited to CAMPSA receipts, stocks and deliveries, but states General Staff will furnish data on stocks at aerodromes whenever requested. This is in line with Smith’s views set forth in Washington and noted in memorandum dated July 16, 1943,56 entitled “Aviation Gasoline Inventory, Peninsular Spain”. I consider an official statement preferable to actual checking of aviation stocks since as pointed out in the memorandum under reference, we would have no assurance that all stocks had been disclosed to the checker. I recommend approval.
- 4.
- He says Canaries are provinces of Spain and air service to Canaries appears indispensable. He proposes therefore that Spain obligate itself not to extend itself beyond the Spanish provinces or beyond Tangier and Tetuán except by previous agreement with American and British authorities. I suggest this be approved subject to Spain’s reaching a special agreement with us covering Canaries route such as that proposed by our military authorities in North Africa and communicated to the Spanish Government (my despatch 621 February 657).
- 5.
- He suggests provision with reference to flying over enemy territory read that Iberia will not enter or fly over enemy dominated territory except by prior agreement between Spanish and American and British Governments. This is a mere matter of wording and I recommend agreement.
- 6.
- Re line to Switzerland, he suggests additional statement that American Government will furnish gasoline required for this line and other lines which may be established after mutual agreement, [Page 706] especially the commercial line to Buenos Aires, once peace has been established in addition to the 320 tons per month fixed provisionally. Since establishment all such proposed lines contingent on our agreement, I recommend we approve this provision.
- 7.
- He wishes to add to the list of lines to be operated by Iberia the line from Madrid to the Canaries. I recommend approval subject to special agreement mentioned under 4 above.
The note ends with the comment that our views have been substantially accepted and expresses confidence that aviation gasoline will be furnished immediately.
As noted above it seems to me all suggestions are accepted since they relate to the future and are contingent on future agreement by us except with reference to line to the Canaries concerning which I have commented above. I request urgent reply.