865.30/51: Telegram
The Ambassador in Spain (Hayes) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 22—12:32 p.m.]
3083. My 293 [2933] October 10. I discussed Italian warships in Balearics again with Jordana today. I said legal status clear and Spain should release ships promptly. There were more than 2,000 seamen involved and I was sure the Spanish authorities would not want any trouble at Port Mahon. He said both he and Minister of Marine greatly impressed by arguments set forth in my note 1444 of October 12 (see my despatch 1441, October 12) and he hoped to reply very speedily. I said I trusted the decision would be favorable and he replied that our arguments were very strong.