740.00119 Control (Germany)/5–2145
The Ambassador in Spain (Armour) to the Secretary of State
[Received 10 p.m.]
1097. Embassy believes that interrogation of German personnel proposed in Deptel 810, May 16, 1 p.m. and Paris 2676, May 16, 4 p.m.96 cannot be carried out on Spanish territory where no control or compulsory appearance can be exercised in any way comparable to an area within Allied control. At the latter, compromise of future interviews with person [s] under interrogation and with others could be avoided because of segregation, as well as tipoff of topics suggested by Dept or full disclosure of what matters interest us, with loss of satisfactory answers. For instance former German Military Attaché was recently contacted at his request by Military Attaché and flatly stated he had had no part in espionage. We believe that only severe cross questioning and repeated interrogation would break down his withholding of knowledge he must possess.
Embassy is hopeful that Dept’s answers to Embtel 970, May 6, noon,97 will provide complete instructions re ultimate disposition of former German diplomatic or other official or semi-official personnel as well as other Germans. It is Embassy’s view that this personnel, together with known and suspected agents and all other Germans possible, be returned to Germany. If should any considerable portion of these groups remain in Spain continuance of German influence, Nazi ideology and subversive activities may be anticipated. Removal should be either by expulsion via Gibraltar where suitable questioning could be held or through other Allied control permitting complete and repeated interrogation under suitable auspices. If such procedure is approved it is hoped that funds, shipping facilities and authorization for that purpose will be promptly provided.
Rptd to London as 323, to Paris for SHAEF98 as 240, by courier to Lisbon.