File No. 763.72/11514
The Ambassador in Spain ( Willard) to the Secretary of State
[Received September 24, 2.41 p.m.]
1864. Minister of Foreign Affairs has informed me that preparations are being made to take possession of one or more German vessels refugeed in Spanish ports in return for Spanish vessels sunk by German submarines, that while he does not now believe that Germany will break diplomatic relations with Spain, yet German Ambassador here continues to threaten Spain and to state that Germany will consider cause for war the seizing by Spain of any German vessel interned in a Spanish port.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, after requesting that I consider what would follow as strictly confidential, stated that through the French [Page 1726] Ambassador in Washington President Wilson will be informed of the inquiry made of the French Government (by?) the Spanish Ambassador in Paris in order to ascertain what Spain might expect in case of actual conflict with Germany and to determine consequences which the Spanish Government desires to avoid but which it deems it prudent to foresee. Similar inquiry has been made by Spanish [Ambassador] in London. The Minister of Foreign Affairs then stated that in order to exercise all precautions against the discovery of these confidential inquiries he had not extended them in the same manner to the Government of the United States whose attitude he had no doubt, if occasion arose, would conform itself to those of French and English.
He requested that I inform my Government in the most confidential manner and secure therefrom an expression of its views. I responded that I would gladly communicate at once with my Government and suggested in order to avoid possibility of misunderstanding his wish, he send me at once a memorandum of that which he wished communicated to my Government. Within an hour after our conference I received his memorandum under personal confidential cover. It is literally translated and incorporated in this telegram, hence rather peculiar manner of expression beginning with sentence first two groups of which are as follows: “Minister of Foreign Affairs after”.
While it is possible the inquiries to which reference is above made are for the purpose of another delay, yet I venture to suggest that assurances on part of United States, France and England that support will be given Spain in the event of conflict with Germany would have great effect here, first on those who are really pro-Ally and second on those who want to pick and support the winners; such assurances would correspondingly depress the pro-German element. Allied successes have had a great effect in Spain and the opportunity thus created should not be lost.