852.00/2957: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Ambassador in Spain (Bowers), Then in France
B–17. Your 89, September 2. An Associated Press despatch from Hendaye published today quotes the Argentine Ambassador as stating “that foreign diplomats were seeking a truce in Spain to prevent a world war’”. The Ambassador expressed anxiety at the attitude of Italy and Germany toward the conflict and stressed the possibility of a world war resulting from the Spanish revolution, adding “to end the conflict in Spain is the only way to prevent a world war.” He stated that the proposal for a truce would be broached probably when delegates from each of the Spanish belligerents reached France for a conference to humanize the Spanish conflict. The Argentine Ambassador said that both the Madrid Government and the insurgents had promised to send delegates to this meeting.
The foregoing, if true, appears to confirm your apprehensions respecting the possible dangers of our taking any part in the meetings of the Diplomatic Corps at Hendaye. We desire that you continue to keep us informed of these discussions for the reasons set forth in my B–14 of September 1, 6 p.m.