Foreign Relations of the United States, 1969–1976, Volume E–1, Documents on Global Issues, 1969–1972

413. Telegram 4815 From the Embassy in Spain to the Department of State¹ ²

Madrid, October 22, 1971, 1205Z.

Ref:

• State 192158, Madrid 4808

1. At 10:00 am Friday, October 22, I personally presented President Nixon’s letter regarding the US position on the Law of the Sea to the Chief of State, General Franco.

2. In a brief cordial conversation with General Franco and FonMin Lopez Bravo, I explained to them the great importance the President of the United States attaches to this problem and said I hoped Spain would give the US position its full consideration.

3. General Franco, upon receiving the letter, stated Spain would seriously consider the matter but he stressed that public opinion in his country would have to be taken into account, in view of the Gibraltar problem.

4. General Franco looked well and appeared alert and was most friendly. I also conveyed to him the President’s best personal regards and he asked to have his friendly best wishes extended to President Nixon.

Hill

1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Files 1970-73, POL 33-8. Secret; Priority; Exdis.
2. Ambassador Hill described his conversation with General Franco after handing him President Nixon’s letter.