Foreign Relations of the United States, 1951, Europe: Political and Economic Developments, Volume IV, Part 1

No. 383

752.5/7–851: Telegram

The Ambassador in the United Kingdom (Gifford) to the Secretary of State ¹

top secret   priority

London, July 8, 1951—1 p.m.

140. Mytel 104, July 6.² Substance instructions cabled by Foreign Office to Franks re Spain follows.

British Cabinet has decided US Govt must be strongly urged abandon policy to associate Spain more closely with West. French Govt shld be urged make similar representations and Dominions shld be informed. Cabinet admits strong case strategically can be made for US proposal but considers this outweighed by other considerations, both material and moral.

To associate Spain with Western democracies wld strike severe blow to purpose and unity of Atlantic association. What is wanted at this stage of cold war is strong build-up of material and moral forces of Atlantic powers. If US Govt by unilateral action attempts associate Franco-Spain with West it wld give severe shock to Scandinavians, Belgians, Dutch, possibly Italians, besides British and French. Western morale wld be gravely disturbed by implication Europe is to be defended at Pyrenees.

On material side Western Europe wld be disturbed at prospect US arms and equipment being diverted to Spain for more urgently deserving countries. British convinced US cannot pay Franco off with economic aid, but will have to pay in military equipment. Cables from British Emb Madrid indicate negotiations cannot be kept secret. Franks is instructed bring these views to attention US Govt, making it clear British Govt feels very strongly on this matter. This question primarily of European concern and British Govt feels entitled ask its views be considered. French Ambassador being similarly instructed.³

In conveying above chief Western Dept Foreign Office commented British Govt is deadly serious on this, it really means business and does not mean to recede to compromise view.

Gifford

1. Repeated to Paris and Madrid.
2. Not printed.
3. On July 10, the British and French governments, through their respective Embassies in Washington, delivered similarly worded Aide-Mémoire to the Department of State strongly urging postponement of the proposed military talks between Admiral Sherman and Generalissimo Franco, setting forth the arguments anticipated and summarized by Ambassador Gifford in this telegram to the Secretary of State. (Memoranda of conversations, July 10 among British Ambassador Sir Oliver Franks, Bonbright, and Byington and the Counselor of the French Embassy de Margerie, (752.5/7–951)