852.79662/9–2844: Telegram
The Ambassador in Spain ( Hayes ) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 29—9:57 p.m.]
3282. Department’s 2619 September 23, 8 p.m., and my 3248 September 26, 5 p.m. The case for immediate suspension of the German air service to Spain was again urgently pressed in a conversation with Lequérica this morning.
His arguments were those with which the Department is now familiar. He said in summary that, while there is no thought of permitting the line to serve German interests, such a service is essential to Spain in connection with its obligations to its diplomatic missions and to Spanish citizens and interests in Germany and Central Europe. He would prefer that the German line be suspended if a substitute were provided and he said that he could assure me that the German operation would be stopped altogether if an arrangement could be made for the establishment of an airline, whether Spanish or Swiss or both, between Spain and Switzerland.
In promising to communicate this proposal, I remarked that the chance for favorable consideration would be improved if Spain should [Page 448] first accede to our request for permanent and immediate suspension of the Lufthansa service.