Foreign Relations of the United States, 1949, Western Europe, Volume IV

711.52/7–1549

Memorandum of Conversation, by Mr. William B. Dunham of the Division of Southwest European Affairs

confidential

Washington, July 15, 1949.

Participants:	Mr. Baraibar, Spanish Chargé d’Affaires
	Mr. Thompson, Deputy Assistant Secretary
	Mr. Dunham, SWE

The Spanish Chargé d’Affaires called this afternoon with respect to President Truman’s statement at his press conference yesterday¹ concerning Spain. Mr. Baraibar said that the Spanish Government has of course the greatest respect and consideration for the President and the Government and people of the United States. His Government was therefore disappointed and regretted the President’s statement that relations between Spain and the United States were unfriendly. On the contrary, he said, Spain has the greatest desire to cooperate with the United States and maintain friendly relations. He asked that Mr. Rusk and the Secretary be informed of his statement.

1. For the full text of President Truman’s news conference on July 14, 1949, see Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States, Harry S. Truman, 1949, pp. 375 ff.