852.00/3–2448: Telegram
The Chargé in Spain (Culbertson) to the Secretary of State
202. Franco has for years preached perils of communism and has effectively used every propaganda effort instill in Spanish people fear repetition Communist terror during Spanish Civil War. Recent March events Europe emphasizes in minds Spanish people correctness his position and has resulted increased strength and wider support regime, including position on part many including people basically opposed Franco that present is no time experiment with measures designed produce political liberalization. Am convinced no substantial liberalization will be forthcoming so long as Communist threat exists and in [Page 1029] event Italy votes Communist, strings will probably be tightened particularly on any political activity that has tinge communism or armed disturbance.
Franco and Spanish authorities seem convinced Spain strategically so important we will of necessity, in our own interest, not only accept regime as is but will extend economic and military aid. This conviction becomes more pronounced as, in their view, tension between US and Russia increases, citing President Truman’s joint session and your recent declarations.1
They very much want cooperate with us in every way so long of course as we leave them run their own political house. They resent exclusion from UN organizations to which they would like belong. They resent refusal send Ambassadors as chief missions and hope our decision will be reversed. But they are not now going modify politically in order obtain these ends. While they have indicated they would prefer direct US aid, in absence thereof I am sure they hope for inclusion ERP, which of course makes sense economically for Europe.
While because of Communist menace Franco probably has greater support politically opposition present economic policies very widespread, including even Cortes and Cabinet members, and increasing. As condition precedent to any US direct aid or through ERP I feel relatively sure economic modification and liberalization can be obtained and may in fact develop by itself because of such widespread opposition.
Foreign Minister and Spanish Govt generally consider US has whip hand question Spain’s inclusion ERP. If Spain not included ERP Spanish will probably place principal blame on US and secondarily British, charging British selfish refusal share aid, which may not be too far from truth. Effect refusal include Spain on Franco position difficult analyze. It could weaken him and again he might whip up national sentiment which would serve strengthen him. It would depend largely on how serious army, church and other principal supporters regime consider economic situation to be. Inclusion would of course put these elements more strongly behind Franco but might well throw left-center and left farther left on ground our cooperation with Franco will cause them abandon hope Franco’s overthrow. Some consider this group might form strong fifth column event of war. However, there is no way of giving real evaluation this possibility.
[Page 1030]Foregoing prepared prior receipt this a. m. Deptel 171, March 23. I have already on several occasions orally and informally with Foreign Office officials covered points included paragraph one Deptel and have made clear dissatisfaction my part Spanish Govt’s response February 2 talk. Will take early occasion so tell Foreign Minister.
- For the text of the President’s Special Message on the Threat to the Freedom of Europe, delivered in person to a joint session of the Congress, March 17, see Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: Harry S. Truman, 1948, (Washington, Government Printing Office, 1964), pp. 182 ff. For the texts of statements by Secretary of State Marshall, see Department of State Bulletin, vol. xviii, 1948, index items under “Marshall, George C.”↩