740.5/3–1551: Telegram
The Ambassador in Spain (Griffis) to the Secretary of State
803. Following substance more than two-hour discussion Franco last evening. Arrived Pardo fifteen minutes early received instantly. Opened conversation on question religious freedom for non-Catholics in Spain. Franco insisted every freedom existed but upon my calling attention many reported incidents oppression, he promised he would tomorrow instruct Cabinet and through them all civil governors that interpretation Spanish law re non-Catholic religious services must be greatly broadened including full right of any non-Catholic services which did not disturb the peace, specifically permitting open funeral services for non-Catholic dead (see Embtel 784, March 15 for transmittal to President1
I then stated that in light world turmoil US interested in viewpoint Spanish Government concerning defense against communism, specifically Western Europe. I did not speak again for approximately 40 minutes. Franco detailed his viewpoint beginning with failure of Republic following Communist infiltration; story of revolution and his bitterness against England and France who he stated had heaped insults on Spain consistently for fifteen years. Stated his belief that while England had guts and might fight, France utterly unreliable and quite possible that should US continue arming European [Page 808] countries might find both England, France taking position armed neutrality in any open war between US and Russia. Nevertheless under any conceivable conditions Spain would defend its country. Franco stated that while England had entered into defensive treaty with US against Russia, she had not denounced existing treaty of friendship, offense and defense, with Russia. Referred with feeling to Churchill’s letter to him 1944 in which Churchill states “His Majesty’s Government policy firmly based on Anglo-Soviet treaty of 1942 and considers permanent Anglo-Russian collaboration as essential”. Referred to British Under Secretary’s recent speech in Commons as example quarantine and segregation Spain from European association of nations. His comments at all times were without expression of emotion very much along lines of historian lecture.
Upon pause, I inquired if his theories of defense included sending Spanish troops to fight on common front north of Pyrenees. Franco himself then plunged into question of NATO, temporarily avoiding direct answer. Stated realized thoroughly our commitments under NATO, that unanimous invitation necessary for new member which he doubted would be forthcoming for Spain. At no time did I discuss this aspect of situation or comment on relations Spain, UK, France. Later conversation developed, largely at Franco’s leading, that he felt under present world conditions US could best aid by making direct agreement with Portugal and Spain. Stated Portuguese had kept Spain informed re their participation NATO and Spain had encouraged them but stated their participation more or less nominal as Spain geographically stood between them and France. Franco stated unequivocally that upon proper military aid from US he would be willing enter into agreement with US on exactly same terms as North Atlantic Pact obligations. This would tie Spain to all commitments existing in NATO including those involving opening any hostilities against any NATO country by USSR.
In answer my statement that I assumed that under any conditions Spain would have no objection to establishment bases by US in Spain, he asked if I meant air, military and naval, which I answered affirmatively whereupon he stated that any location, property or otherwise, in all of Spain or the Spanish possessions were at the immediate disposal of US so long as they remained mutual bases and so long as they continued to be Spanish following any war.
Conversation returned to his suggestion unilateral pacts US, Portugal and Spain, and I stated that we felt, despite his wishes, it was extremely unfortunate that there was not a completely united front of all western European nations against Russia. We thought that it was psychologically a bad move to have any unilateral arrangement [Page 809] with Spain which might imply lack of union of all democratic (sic) powers; or that at any point there could be final defense back of the Pyrenees, or that Russian troops could ever reach Pyrenees. Conversation on general defense then reached point where Franco stated unequivocally that, under any and all circumstances or under any or no pacts, if Spain were properly armed it would send troops north of the Pyrenees to fight on common front.
I urged on Franco absolute necessity of secrecy in connection any negotiations carried on between the American Ambassador and/or the US with Spain in matter of arming or pacts. He did not seem to like this, but apparently has agreed since my call was known to Spanish newspapermen but no word of it was published in morning papers. Franco stated as his opinion that within one hour after Whitehall and the Quai d’Orsay heard that we were in active negotiations to arm Spain they would express their desire to have Spain in NATO. On this I did not comment.
I referred to fact that substantially all South American Ambassadors and the Portuguese Ambassador, whom I had seen, had urged Spanish aid by US in world defense and told him that in view our close relationship with all Latin America we were greatly impressed by their representations. I referred to fact that US was not completely united in its feeling of desire for close coordination with Spain just as Spain was not united in its approval of US renewal diplomatic relationship taken here as strengthening Franco regime. He expressed complete understanding this situation.
It is my opinion following this interview that if properly handled by US and/or if representations with England and France by US succeed and proper approach made by them and upon aid to Spain in proportion to aid given other countries, Franco will guide Spanish policy along whatever lines we wish. However, time is of the essence and it may be later than we think.
Department will please transmit London, Paris all or such parts this telegram as desired.
- Not printed. For documentation on U.S. efforts in behalf of Spanish Protestants, see Documents 405 ff.↩