Message from INO GUGB NKVD USSR I.V. Stalin about the conversation between the US Assistant Secretary of State and the British Ambassador about the settlement of the war in Spain.

RGASPI. F. 558. Op. 11. D. 188. L. 99-102. Script. Typescript.

February 2, 1937

Top secret

department of the NKVD GUGB received by telegraph a brief text of a document emanating from the US State Department [1].

№ 16

January 11, 1937

   In a conversation with US Assistant Secretary of State Moore, British Ambassador Lindsay said that the Foreign Office considered it necessary to settle the Spanish conflict in one form or another, before it spread to the rest of Europe. The usual events failed. After a reliable ascertainment of the intentions of the two fascist governments, Eden came to the conclusion that neither of them intended to bind itself to any obligations. This is apparently true of the USSR as well. Paris will undoubtedly follow the course of England, and, perhaps, one should count on the fact that she will put pressure on the USSR in order to persuade the latter to make concessions to Germany and Italy and thereby force them to abandon their negative attitude towards international affairs. It will not be easy, but a very difficult situation requires emergency measures. By this *Eden means to inform Moscow that the British government will support Germany and Italy in order to end the war in Spain*. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs believes that even if the USSR does not agree to some reasonable demands, it will take all measures to avoid being involved in the war. Moscow may think highly of its fighters and aircraft, but it knows that a world war could end the existence of the Soviets. It is one thing to outdo all other states with the effectiveness of their aircraft, tanks, machine guns in a Spanish situation, and another thing to fight against a combined attack by German, Japanese and Italian forces. Proceeding from this *London hopes to persuade the USSR to agree to a compromise proposal for the creation of a liberal-conservative coalition government in Spain.

   The British Cabinet asked that the wisdom of supporting Franco or one of his trusted aides as head of the Spanish government* be weighed. However, two circumstances speak against this: firstly, the Spanish people would prefer death to submission to the tyranny of the fascist regime, and, secondly, an important consideration is that it would be suicidal for England and France to support the formation of another fascist state under a German or Italian sovereignty. In addition to this fact, Italy would have gained practical control over the Mediterranean Sea and the ground would have been prepared for the growth of German colonial power in Africa at the expense of England. Therefore, the only solution to the question would be a compromise with Italy and Germany on the formation of a government that would be as far from communism as it was from fascism.

   Eden thinks that Germany and Italy can be convinced by one argument that will be acceptable to both: money and credit. France would be able to come to an understanding with Germany, while London would offer Rome a long-sought loan. It is hoped that Washington will take part in such an agreement. Lindsay recalled that President Roosevelt proposed something like this last fall. At that time the situation was too uncertain for specific plans. However, the President said that America, in a moment of stalemate, would weigh its participation accordingly.

   Lindsay further stated that during his long diplomatic career he did not remember such a time as the present, so similar to June-July 1914. He also stated that the president would not personally participate in these negotiations and the US government would not be formally represented. It is necessary that Washington, together with the two above-mentioned countries, take part in providing such a loan or credit. Commerce Department President Walter Runciman arrives in the US with a detailed plan. In the opinion of the British Government, this plan, with appropriate support, would resolve the Spanish crisis and avert a worldwide catastrophe.

  *Moore replied that the State Department would seriously consider London's proposal to resolve the Spanish crisis, although he doubted a positive outcome*. Moore does not see how the United States can participate in a loan to Italy or Germany, subject to the restrictions imposed by the Johnson resolution and the act of neutrality just adopted by Congress.

Lindsay noticed that Runciman was also given instructions to settle the debt problem.

Deputy early department of the GUGB NKVD SPIGEGLLAZ

[1] On the first sheet there are marks: “My archive. St." and "T. Stalin. Ya. Agranov. 2.II.-37.