852.00/4–2848: Telegram

The Chargé in Spain ( Culbertson ) to the Secretary of State

confidential

294. Embtel 263, April 19.1 Pre-Italian election propaganda buildup and earlier Spanish anticipation democratic defeat in Italy [Page 1037] would result in our bringing Franco into ERP fold was so blatantly cockeyed that Spanish Government now apparently in quandary how approach international situation or what propaganda line to follow although vestiges still seen of recent violent anti-democratic and self-inflated campaign. Renewed rumor, which may have some foundation, that holding of municipal elections will soon be announced indicates possible effort part of government build up diversion public attention from world affairs and Spain’s isolation. Any recession of Communist threat and evidence power and coordination of democratic forces leaves Franco’s usual Communistic scarehead propaganda with decreasing effect and likewise they adversely affect Franco local strength so long as there be no external issue made over Franco. As ERP moves forward and as Franco sees that we are not as desperately in need of Spain strategically as he had thought, it is not entirely out of realm of possibility that we might get some degree of political and economic liberalization in Spain in not too distant future. From our standpoint here I think our best bet for moment is to stand off and let present quandary develop and not give any encouragement or peg on which Franco can hang his propaganda hat. In meantime Embassy will keep plugging along lines of Department’s instructions of last December2 and let them know those possibilities still open. If any Department officers talk with Lequérica3 efforts should be made disabuse his mind O’Konski House vote represents American public opinion. Our efforts with plan here have had little success and conviction widespread in official circles that US public opinion will soon force overtures to Franco on his own terms.

Culbertson
  1. Not printed.
  2. See telegram 903, December 18, Foreign Relations, 1947, vol. iii, p. 1096.
  3. José Felix Lequérica, Spanish Foreign Minister, 1944; Inspector in the Spanish Foreign Service.