611.5231/977: Telegram

The Chargé in Spain (Johnson) to the Secretary of State

39. My telegram No. 37, May 28, 11 a.m. Italian Chargé d’Affaires said yesterday Spanish Foreign Office apparently in attempt to hurry Italian-Spanish commercial negotiations has informed him it was expected that Spanish-American treaty would be signed from one day to another. Gather that Spaniards are trying to play off one country with which they were negotiating against another.

Spanish exporters have been pressing Government for American treaty and believe Government now realizes more fully desirability of signing treaty with us before October. Spanish commercial relations with England easier since cold weather in England compelling additional purchase fresh vegetables et cetera in Spain.

Johnson