Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, Western Europe and Canada, Volume VI, Part 2

611.52/3–1853

No. 887
The President to Ambassador Dunn¹

[Washington, March 24, 1953.]

Dear Jimmy: I have been thinking of our discussion during your recent visit to Washington.² It might be helpful to you in undertaking your new mission to have in writing an expression of the ideas I mentioned to you at that time concerning our future relations with Spain.

Of immediate importance is the early successful conclusion of the current negotiations with our Spanish friends. I do not see how the Spanish Government can fail to realize that the proposed arrangements between our two countries are fundamental to the interest of Spain itself. In providing a valuable contribution to the strengthening of the common defense of Western Europe the bases also strengthen the defense of Spain, whose direct self interest would appear to require a strong defense in Europe as far to the east as possible.

Prior to your arrival the Chargé d’Affaires will have received and presented to the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position of this Government. I am sure that after your explanation the Spanish Government will understand that the United States Government can not commit itself at this time to specific amounts and types of aid for future years beyond the extent of the assurances we have already provided. On the other hand we have indicated the substantial expenditures of both money and equipment which we are prepared to make now, provided that our use of bases is assured in peacetime and also in the event of an emergency created by Communist aggression or the imminence of such aggression. It should be clear also that we are prepared to accept such limitations on our use of Spanish bases as have been outlined in the instructions sent you.

Moreover successful conclusion of these negotiations will be the beginning of an important new relationship between the U.S. and Spain. As you know, I should like to see the proud and vigorous people of Spain restored once more to their proper place in world affairs. This would be, I think, not only to the advantage of Spain but also would benefit all concerned. It is my desire, therefore, that the United States should work for increasingly closer Spanish association with the major objectives of the Western nations which are cooperating in the United Nations and elsewhere.

I am not unmindful, of course, of the differing political traditions of Spain and the Western Democracies, as well as questions of religious freedom, liberal economic policy and freedom of expression, which may make this course long and difficult. Despite these serious difficulties mutual good will, understanding, and sincere effort, can surely succeed in achieving closer cooperation between us. It is up to Spain and to us to make every possible effort to achieve a close harmonious association between our two countries.

I have set forth these general thoughts for your information and guidance and I shall receive with interest your reports on the progress that is being made. You have my heartiest support and every good wish in your new post.

With warm regards,³

1. Drafted in the Office of Western European Affairs and transmitted to the President on Mar. 19 by Under Secretary Smith, who observed in a covering memorandum that it had been written “with the thought that Ambassador Dunn might have occasion to show it to General Franco.” The letter was returned by Thomas E. Stephens, the Secretary to the President, on Mar. 21, under a covering memorandum on which was written a notation indicating that it had been forwarded to Ambassador Dunn on Mar. 24.
2. No record of this conversation has been found in either Department of State files or the Eisenhower Library.
3. The text source is not signed.