711.0012Anti-War/244: Telegram
The Ambassador in Spain (Hammond) to the Secretary of State
[Received 4:02 p.m.]
77. Your telegram August 16, 1 p.m. After the Council of Ministers held at Corunna on August 14, General Primo de Rivera gave the following communication to the press with regard to Spain’s position relative to the anti-war pact:
“The Kellogg pact has been communicated to Spain and its signature or collaboration has been requested. Spain will give its approval or will communicate such reservations as it may deem expedient but it is a significant proof of the consideration in which Spain is held. The Ambassador of the United States himself, making a journey of 900 kilometers from San Sebastian to Mondariz, came to see me to inform me of the negotiations of this international matter and to give an account of the details thereof. This fact is a proof of consideration for Spain and I have personally expressed my gratitude to Mr. Hammond for his coming to Mondariz leaving his wife ill at San Sebastian.”
[Paraphrase.] From the foregoing the Department will perceive that Primo de Rivera has not only accepted situation in regard to nonparticipation of Spain as one of the original signatories of the treaty for the renunciation of war but has also been able to find in my visit to Mondariz a matter for national self-congratulation and a continued proof of the esteem which Spain enjoys abroad.
I do not consider it advisable, therefore, to take matter up again with the Prime Minister until after his arrival in San Sebastian on the 25th of this month. At that time I shall talk to him along lines of your telegram and shall urge Spain’s prompt adherence to the treaty. [End paraphrase.]