352.1153 St 2/16: Telegram
The Chargé in Spain (Blair) to the Secretary of State
[Received 4:13 p.m.]
4. Reference Department’s 3, January 6, 6 p.m. Yesterday I interviewed Primo de Rivera and informed him of the substance of the above-mentioned instruction. He was obviously disturbed and more conciliatory than at any previous time. Avoiding the chief issue, constitutional protection of property rights, he stated that the Spanish oil monopoly was an exceptional measure and reiterated his former view that property is not in danger in Spain. Again promising to hasten valuations and hoping they would be finished in a week, Primo assured me that his Government intends paying fair and generous compensation. Although general assurances appear satisfactory, Primo’s verbal undertakings often do not materialize into acts. Nevertheless, the Department’s representations have, I believe, made an improvement, and there is a prospect of fair compensation ultimately as a result of the past few weeks.