Sir:
Ay
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
July 3, 1940
WASHINGTON
I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your
note no. 304 of July 2, 1940 inquiring whether the
Government of the United States would be willing,
if Spain and Portugal should become Involved in
hostilities, to undertake the protection of persons,
property and interests for which the British representa-
tives in those countries are normally responsible,
whether the American mission remains at the capital
or evacuates it in order to accompany the government
to which it is accredited.
I am happy to assure you that the Government of
the United States is willing to undertake the protection
of British interests in Spain and Portugal should the
contingencies referred to arise.   Every effort will be
made
The Right Honorable
The Marquess of Lothian,C.H
•»
British Ambassador.
-2-
made to extend to British persons, property and interests
such protection as may be possible within the limitations
of and subject to the reservations imposed by the
conditions of modern warfare.
Accept, Sir, the renewed assurances of my highest
consideration.
7
704.4151/