Memorandum, State Department Summary of Telegrams

NLT(Naval Aidel225 OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE WASHINGTON July 18, 1951 SECHEI SUMMARY OF TELEGRAMS SPAIN Ambassador Griffis and Admiral Shermanhave called on General Franco, stating that the pur- pose of Sherman's visit was to begin exploratory conversations on coopera- - tion between Spain and the US on military matters. In introducing Sherman, Griffis emphasized that for the present there should be no definite commit- ments made, but following these talks the American Joint Chiefs of Staff would plan to send representatives of the three services to negotiate in Ma- - drid with such officers as Franco might designate. Admiral Sherman outlined generally our desire to acquire naval and air base facilities in Spain, the right to stage air- craft through Spanish fields, to overfly Spain and to make use of Spanish airfields and anchorage facilities. Franco said he fully agreed in prin- ciple but felt that today's suggestions had almost come too late and pro- ceeded with a statement of Spain's economic plight and her general in- ability to make effective military preparations without real aid from the US. Admiral Sherman said that this should be a matter for later and gradual consideration. The party discussed availability of the North Atlantic coast of Spain and the Barcelona districts as a temporary domi- cile for American citizens under the evacuation plans, and Franco ex- pressed his willingness to cooperate completely. KOREA Ambassador Muccio reports that General Ridgway has again met with President Rhee in an effect to induce the latter to acquiesce in the principles of the cease-fire talks. Despite some two hours of conversation in which Ridgway explained most painstakingly that we were militarily incapable at present of carrying the campaign to the Yalu and Tumen Rivers, as Rhee demands, Rhee remained unconvinced. Muccio and Ridgway feel that it might be helpful to have some influential personage visit Korea in an attempt to influence President Rhee. DECLASSIFIED TOP SICRET E.O. 12065, Sec. 3-402 State Dept. Guidelines, March 6, 1982 By DEB NIT, Die 9-5-85