711.52/3–948: Telegram
The Chargé in Spain (Culbertson) to the Secretary of State
167. Foreign Minister called me in last night to make Government’s reply to my February 2 statements referring to their tenor as indicating my Government’s “good will and desire to strengthen relations with Spanish nation allowing them become wholly normal”. He said he had discussed February 2 talk and Spanish reply with Franco and [Page 1027] Cabinet. This evident since line reported below reminiscent of Franco and other official statements last few months.
Principal points expounded by Artajo are:
Spaniards appreciate US attitude in UNGA last November but not satisfied that Spain’s good name has been vindicated and wish US take lead in righting injustice especially in view Trygve Lie’s1 interpretation of 1947 resolution showing “manifest hostility”.
Spanish Government appreciates “full value of notice concerning favorable attitude of US re future granting of credits” and hopes this will soon lead to results, first on private and later official basis. Marshall Plan of less interest to Spain than individual deal with US. (Note: this statement consistent Avith others recently made by Foreign Office officials.)
Spanish economy basically liberal, but like other countries has been forced by well-known circumstances into temporary state control. Artajo implied INI merely intervenes in businesses which need its economic help, plain misrepresentation of fact.
To understand Spanish situation American public should contemplate troubled history for past century, its experience with Communists 1934 to 1939 and future troubled world aspect. Should also contemplate inappropriateness of trying to judge internal affairs other country. Regime has demonstrated flexibility and desire to better self since 1939 and is developing “bold task of social tutelage and protection” which is basis of its stability and advantageous to both Spain and cause of world peace.
Spanish Government sincerely desires collaboration with and rapprochement to US but feels relationship should not be disturbed through mingling countries’ common interests and ability to serve world, with differences of ideology or political thinking which are exclusive to each people.
Above quotes based on English copy of Artajo’s statements2 handed me during interview.
Foreign Minister said nothing new or encouraging to hope for evolution and I limited my comments to denying at one point that US wishes Franco to legalize Communist Party, which Artajo implied was case.
- On December 3, 1947, Mr. Lie, Secretary-General of the United Nations, wrote to the President of the Security Council that he was confident the Security Council would discuss the Spanish Question as soon as it required attention. (United Nations, Official Records of the Security Council, 1947, vol. 2, p. 1080.) The Spanish Government apparently took this to mean that the Secretary-General interpreted the 1947 resolution of the General Assembly on Spain as having no effect on the power of the 1946 resolution.↩
- Not printed.↩