811B.01/499: Telegram

The Acting Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Spain (Hayes)

2397. Your 3249, November 5, 7 p.m. The Department does not understand how the telegram to Laurel can be considered a personal telegram inasmuch as it was apparently clearly stated that the message expressed the sentiments not only of the Chief of the Spanish State, the Government and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, but also of the Spanish people. This, at any rate, is how the message was used by the enemy broadcasts. Incidentally, it is not yet clear to the Department how the message was addressed, that is whether to the “President of the Philippine Republic”.

It is understood that Cárdenas has communicated with his Government with regard to a statement to be made public. The closing sentence of your third paragraph seems to suggest that Jordana may have been coerced by a Japanese threat against Spanish interests and nationals in the Philippines.

You may assure Jordana that this Government has inspired no editorials, but that the Department has examined the editorial referred to and believes that the New York Times has very accurately represented the reaction to be expected, and which should be regarded as entirely normal in the circumstances. As a matter of fact, for [Page 734] your own information, the Department has attempted to play this story down as much as possible pending clarification.

The attitude of this Government, concerning which Jordana has inquired, has constantly been translated in our desire to improve mutual relations. This attitude is fundamentally unchanged. We have worked very hard and very patiently, against many obstacles and much opposition. This Government fully realizes the extent to which Count Jordana has been cooperative and is appreciative. On the other hand, there is no gainsaying that many disturbing factors in our relations still persist. These you are thoroughly familiar with. It is unlikely that our relations can be placed on a completely satisfactory basis until the Falange Party, which has consistently opposed our aims and policies, will have gone out of existence or will have ceased to wield any power likely to disturb relations, or until we can feel quite sure of Spain’s international position. The latter will continue to be at least equivocal as long as there are any doubts respecting Spanish cooperation with the enemies of this country. The Laurel incident unquestionably has produced a serious setback from which recovery will be difficult and perhaps slow unless the Spanish Government will avail itself promptly of such means as are at its disposal for restoring confidence. Jordana will understand that in the democratic processes of this nation public opinion is the fundamental factor upon which the policies of this Government are based. He should understand that in this particular incident, the considerable concern which our Government feels, is, we are confident, fully shared by public opinion in this country.

Stettinius