811B.01/489: Telegram
The Ambassador in Spain ( Hayes ) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 27—11:30 a.m.]
3116. Your 2274, October 23, midnight. Foreign Office admits such a telegram was sent and says it was in reply to a very friendly telegram [Page 723] from Laurel. Foreign Office says telegram does not signify recognition by Spain of the so-called Philippine Republic and that on the contrary Spain has no intention of recognizing it. The Foreign Office considers the telegram a courteous and natural reply which reflects Spain[’s] long and intimate ties with the Philippine people. Beaulac,90 in discussing this matter with the Under Secretary91 said our Government could not accept the Foreign Office’s explanation of the telegram as valid. He said that in his experience he knew no precedent for a Government’s sending such a telegram to a government which it did not recognize or plan to recognize. Spain’s long and intimate relations with the Philippine people and Spain’s determination not to recognize the so-called Philippine Republic were overwhelming reasons for not replying to Laurel’s telegram. Spain had given to Japan very valuable propaganda material and had given support whether consciously or not to Japanese political and military plans in the Far East. Furthermore, the telegram did not reflect General Franco’s attitude toward Japan as expressed to the Ambassador on July 28 (Embassy’s airgram A–368, July 2992). Beaulac said that our Government would take a very serious attitude in this matter.
I suspect, although I cannot prove it, that the telegram was drafted by the Political Director of the Foreign Office,93 who was recently removed and later reinstated under circumstances we have been unable to determine. This official has given indications of being pro-Axis.
My own opinion is that I should present personally to Jordana a very strong note along the lines of Beaulac’s conversation. If the Department itself wishes to supply me with the text of the note I shall be glad to receive it. If it wishes me to prepare it, please so advise at the earliest possible moment.
My idea is the note should inquire whether Spain has any intention of recognizing the so-called Philippine Republic. I should insist upon a reply, with the thought that our Government should publish both my note and the reply thereto.
Please instruct promptly.