Office of the Historian

307. Telegram From the Embassy in Spain to the Department of State0

Madrid, April 19, 1958, 3 p.m.

1167. Reference: Deptel 1339.1 Franco-McElroy meeting took place April 18 at 1700 with Foreign Minister Castiella, Minister Army Barroso, Ambassador Lodge, Jaime Pinies (for translation). Generals Twining and Donovan2 also present. Conference lasted slightly more than two hours. All went smoothly in friendly atmosphere of exchange of ideas.

Secretary Defense and Twining commented briefly on NATO Defense Ministers meeting in response to Franco’s indicated interest. Franco then raised question of North Africa pointing out with considerable emphasis importance of support of France in Algerian border [question] to protect the back of Europe. He also raised question of importance of a clandestine organization which would provide arms and equipment to anti-Communists in satellite countries in event of conflict. He raised base vulnerability question not in terms of relocation but rather in terms of substitution for bases at Torrejon and Zaragoza. He thus varied from approach he took with Secretary State. Secretary Defense was noncommittal this point indicating very expensive to build bases but matter would be studied.

We feel Secretary Defense’s visit was most useful in establishing rapport with Spanish civil and military leaders. Questions of military and economic aid not raised by Franco. Neither was use of MDAP equipment in Northern Africa nor Spanish membership NATO.

Following Pardo meeting Service Ministers gave joint reception for Secretary Defense and party in Ministry of Army which well attended by principal military and civilian officials.

Lodge
  1. Source: Department of State, Central Files, 740.5/4–1958. Secret; Priority.↩
  2. Telegram 1339 to Madrid, April 17, informed the Embassy that McElroy, who was returning to Washington following a meeting of the NATO Defense Ministers at Paris April 15–17, should not raise the question of Spanish membership in NATO during his meeting with Franco. (Ibid., 033.1100–McE/4–1758)↩
  3. Major General Stanley J. Donovan, Chief of the Joint U.S. Military Group in Spain.↩