852.00/10761½
Memorandum by the Spanish Ambassador (Cárdenas)21
Notes
Germany knows Spain, the idiosyncrasies of the Spaniards, the ruggedness of the Spanish terrain and therefore she realizes that an invasion of the country is not an easy task.
Germany maintains good relations with Spain, but Spain has spoken firmly to her whenever Germany has seemed to seek anything departing from the usual course of the relations between independent nations.
Spain will resist a German invasion with all the means in her power.
Spain has no imperialistic aspirations towards the Iberic-American countries, aiming only at a continuance of the Spanish traditions and culture there.
Spain’s regime is neither fascist, nor nazist; it is Spanish. It is based on the Spanish tradition and is essentially Christian-catholic. A great part of its present organization could find its origin in the purely-Spanish guilds of the past. The Government is authoritarian by reason of both the Civil and the global war.
After asserting that there not exists at present any cause for alarm, the Generalissimo would like to ascertain whether, should there ever become necessary, the American Government would be willing to provide Spain with arms for her defense.
- In a covering memorandum the Secretary of State stated: “The Spanish Ambassador caUed at his request. He proceeded to give me his reactions to conditions in Spain and to Spanish policy, as per copy of notes attached.” (852.00/10761)↩