Office of the Historian
No. 405

752.00/2–2351: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Spain 1

secret
Washington, February 23, 1951—7 p.m.

539. Brit Emb states FonOff understands Franco may sound out US and UK Ambs re attitudes their govts if he “broadens base” his regime. FonOff thinks this maneuver connected Franco’s negots with Monarchists since it is informed Franco may meet soon with Don Juan.2 Brit believes maneuver cld have two purposes: 1) favor Monarchists over other opposition groups thus possibly driving latter into hands Commies; 2) involve US and UK Embs in domestic Span polit intrigues.

FonOff instructing Brit Amb, if approached, give no indication type regime UK wld like see estab Spain and restrict his remarks to saying simply Brit Govt wld like see Spain play its full role Western Eur community but believes this will be difficult unless regime is “liberalized”.

FonOff instructed Emb ask us instruct Amb Griffis similarly, in interest maintaining common policy re Spain, informed Emb we had no info this subj but wld inquire. Please advise.

Acheson
  1. Drafted by Dunham, cleared and initialed over Secretary Acheson’s signature by Williamson, and repeated to London.↩
  2. Pretender to the Spanish Throne.↩