European War Office

The War Office was governed directly by the Private Secretary of the King; it was based in the Royal Palace of Madrid.

One of the King's most imperative achievements was to create a compromise between both sides of the conflict, to prevent the further sinking of hospital ships.

As consequence of this, Spanish naval observers sailed hospital ships of various countries, in order to ensure that the vessels were being used for their intended purpose, as opposed to military expeditions.

On August 7, 1914, it was published in Gaceta de Madrid, a Royal Decree, signed by both King Alfonso and Prime Minister Eduardo Dato, declared the country's neutrality, stating that government had the "duty to order the strictest neutrality to Spanish subjects in accordance with the laws in force and the principles of public international law".

[3] King Alfonso also agreed, despite having talked with the French ambassador of his desire to enter the conflict on the side of the Allies in exchange of "some tangible satisfaction," presumably referring to Tangier.

This situation strained the outdated, undersupplied, underfunded and asymetrical army, that had an oversized officer corps which absorbed most of its budget.

A publication in a French newspaper, Le Petit Girondais, provoked an avalanche of letters from many Europeans asking for aid.

[6] There is evidence that his efforts were instrumental in easing the German occupation of Belgium, so that provisions from the United States could reach its nine million inhabitants.