862.20200/265
The Secretary of State to the Chargé in Spain (Butterworth)
The Secretary of State refers to the Embassy’s secret despatch no. 2466 of May 12, 194437 on the subject, “German Activities”.
Considering the material which the German informant has made available, and because of the security factor arising from his wide acquaintance with Spaniards and Germans in Spain, the Department is of the opinion that the Embassy should not enter into any agreement with the informant whereby he would be offered protection or payment. Should the Embassy in its discretion desire to continue receiving the informant’s submissions on a “no remuneration” basis as mentioned in paragraph one of despatch no. 1761 of December 17, 1943,37 the Department perceives no objection.
Because of the location of Madrid in relation to present events in Europe, numerous informant cases no doubt will arise as the certainty of allied successes becomes more apparent. Caution should be exercised in dealing with informants who desire to furnish information gratuitously with an expectation of later receiving some favor of an official nature from the Embassy. The Department does not desire that such persons entertain the false impression that this government is desirous of readily condoning their previous Axis associations. From a security standpoint, the practice of encouraging such informants is potentially dangerous despite thorough investigations.
With reference to the case under consideration, the Embassy in its discretion may desire to consult with the Madrid representative of the OSS. That organization may wish to consider the value of the information of a “slightly military character”.