711.52/297: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Spain (Hayes)
2425. Your 3294, November 10, 9 p.m.15 The Department considers that no satisfactory explanation can be advanced for this uncalled for and ill-advised action of the Spanish Government. It is very unfortunate that the action was taken and only a complete disavowal could have undone it. This is for your own information and need not be communicated to the Spanish Government as the Department trusts its position has already been made amply clear on this point. You may tell Foreign Minister Jordana that the Department is convinced that the explanations given have been advanced in good faith and wishes to believe that the Spanish Government had no intention of implying a recognition of the Laurel regime or of disturbing relations with this country, and that the Department for its part is willing to let the matter rest. You should add however that a very unfavorable impression has been created in the public mind which can only be corrected by deeds of a nature to restore confidence. The Department further believes that any unnecessary delay in furnishing substantial demonstrations of good will can only tend to further deteriorate the present embarrassing position.