852.00/2383: Telegram
The Minister in Portugal (Caldwell) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 4—9:05 a.m.]
30. Smith, local representative Vacuum Oil Company, told me today that he had been instructed by his company to ask my opinion as to the advisability of his company furnishing aviation gasoline to the Spanish rebels through third parties with the consent of Portuguese authorities whom known to sympathize with the rebellion.
I replied that this is a question of general policy on which I have no right to speak and I advised Smith to refer his company directly to the Department.
Spanish Ambassador here has protested against the unneutral attitude of the Portuguese Government and also French Minister has protested against unfriendly expressions in Portuguese newspapers.