752.11/7–1151: Telegram
The Chargé in Portugal (Maddox) to the Secretary of State 1
19. Deptel 15, July 10; Madrid 45 June 23.2 In conversation with Xanthaky3 last night, Spanish pretender flatly denied story that Spanish Amb Nicolas Franco, or any other representative of Caudillo, has proposed to him that he renounce rights in favor of his son.
[Page 860]According to pretender following is genesis stories circulating Madrid: Last month Franco apparently remarked at close of Cabinet, members (Don Juan specifically mentioned Artajo, Giron and Fernandez Cuesta) launched trial balloon at latter’s social gathering by insinuating story in question. “Although,” says pretender, “this would be facile solution from Franco viewpoint, they obviously would not have temerity to make such proposal to me as they know full well its rejection would be foregone conclusion”. In Don Juan’s opinion, therefore, July 18 will come to pass without, as rumored, Franco indicating his successor.
Pretender has also heard that Dr. Duarte, Franco’s physician, wishes Caudillo to undergo gallstone operation and that operating room actually being installed in Pardo, but matter not urgent and Franco still undecided. Concerning rumors structural changes in Spanish Govt, pretender discounts these entirely stating not in Franco’s nature delegate power and furthermore that when former Cabinet Minister Larraz recently made such suggestion to Franco, latter promptly changed subject. Pretender inclined believe Franco now banking very heavily on mil and econ aid from US to bolster his prestige and if this should be forthcoming he will continue stalling tactics and postpone practical consideration matter of succession indefinitely.