852.00/5497: Telegram
The Consul at Geneva (Gilbert) to the Secretary of State
[Received May 22—11:20 a.m.]
155. Consulate’s 151, May 21, 10 a.m. The European press is carrying extensive accounts in varying details of British démarches being made in Paris, Brussels and Borne and perhaps in other capitals relative to effecting an armistice to be associated with the withdrawal of foreign “volunteers” from Spain.
While fully believing that London and Paris basically very much desire an accomplishment along such lines and although despatches under London dates lines suggest that Rome’s attitude is receptive, diplomatic circles here in touch with European capitals and viewing the general circumstances are exceedingly skeptical respecting this project. It is felt that Paris and in particular London are opposed to the Spanish affair coming before the Council, especially in the form it is apparently taking, being apprehensive of inflammatory repercussions in Europe resulting in a widening of the existing breaches, that they particularly fear developments taking place here which would render the League still less advantageous for their employment in the European picture. Coming at this juncture this British project is thus seen as largely an effort to disassociate themselves [Page 302] in advance from the Spanish presentation of their case to the Council and perhaps by some means to sidetrack action or at least to minimize the political and popular effects of what may transpire in Geneva. Further clarification is, however, awaited.