852.00/2975: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Consul at Seville (Bay)
Your September 1, 10 a.m. and your September 3, 2 p.m.13 General Queipo de Llano’s expression of regret at the attempt made on the U. S. S. Kane, the instructions which he said had been given to his air forces cautioning them to respect American vessels in all circumstances, and the careful inquiry which he assured you would be made to determine the identity of the plane making this attack have been duly noted.
It is earnestly hoped that nothing will be allowed to interfere with the most careful investigation into all possible circumstances with the view of determining, if at all possible, the exact identity of this plane. I am sure that the General and his superiors will realize that it is most important that there be no doubt or uncertainty, if it can be avoided, in this matter. It is particularly important to us to resolve, if possible, all doubt in respect to the identity of the plane lest any uncertainty on the point afford a pretext for wild rumors of a plot to involve the United States in some way.
In these circumstances I feel that it would be well, unless you perceive objection, for you to see the General again informally and to point out the foregoing considerations to him, in strict confidence, stressing our confident hope that no stone will be left unturned in an effort definitely to determine the identity of this plane. You will not fail, of course, to express to the General your appreciation of the assurances which he has already given you.
- Latter telegram not printed.↩