352.0022/16: Telegram
The Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain (Wendelin) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 30—11:40 a.m.]
X–263. Diplomatic Corps yesterday afternoon further discussed question of diplomatic asylum with respect to Spaniards and changing of guards at Chilean Embassy. Russian Ambassador attended for first time and intervened to say that in his opinion Latin American concept of asylum was not universal and could not be supported in name of entire Diplomatic Corps. British Chargé d’Affaires stated that he had sent note to Chilean Ambassador, acting doyen, that his Embassy was not affected by question of asylum as on orders of his Government no Spaniards were being given refuge. British position is the same as ours. It was agreed that in any further communications with Spanish Government in name of Diplomatic Corps’ asylum granted Spanish citizens exception would be made of American, British and Russian Embassies.
Copies of communications from Cuban, Colombian and Dominican representatives and direct communication from Argentine and Chilean Governments to Spanish Government supporting Latin American concept of diplomatic asylum were made available. Communication from Argentine Government cited acceptance in practice of this concept by the Spanish Government and stated that “any alteration in the exercise of this right of asylum thus consented to might influence the diplomatic relations of this Government with that of Spain”. Communication from Chilean Government stated that instructions have been given Ambassador here firmly to insist upon protection Embassy and refugees therein, adding that “such instructions are in complete accord in our opinion with the rules of law in the intangibility of which are bound up the maintenance of the political relations between my Government and that of Your Excellency”.
The Chilean Embassy guards relieved over 2 weeks ago have not been returned despite insistent demands of Ambassador (my telegram No. X–211, October 13, 8 p.m.). Guards in this Embassy and apparently all others not affected. Chilean Ambassador has now addressed note to Minister of State demanding return former guards or assignment others specified by him adding otherwise “this Embassy will find itself obliged to deny admission to the present guards within the Embassy and will find itself in the unfortunate situation of having to communicate to its Government that it lacks the means which assure its protection”. Several Latin American representatives yesterday expressed their regret that such strained relations should exist between the doyen of the Diplomatic Corps and the Spanish Government [Page 750] suggesting that a commission of diplomatic representatives intercede with the Ministers of State and Gobernacion to solve difficulties. It was finally decided that Rumanian Commercial Attaché who is secretary of Diplomatic Corps should personally undertake this mission.