Foreign Relations of the United States, 1964–1968, Volume XII, Western Europe

208. Telegram From the Embassy in Spain to the Department of State¹

Madrid, March 13, 1968, 1746Z.

2951. 1. By prior appointment I today made protocol farewell call on Chief of State. He received me alone.²

2. Main focus Franco’s remarks was wish have me convey to President Spanish understanding of difficulties, particularly in political sphere, faced in Viet Nam and hope U.S. would persevere in maintaining present military policy SEA.

3. Franco also agreed to need maintain flexibility in US-Spanish special relationship; mentioned his preoccupation over proximity Torrejon Air Base to Spanish capital; and expressed understanding of need for measures support integrity of dollar. Conversation ran over few other subjects, including developments on U.S. political scene.

4. Comment: Although Franco’s hands shook very noticeably during first part of discussion, trembling later subsided, and he looked generally fit. He sustained with interest and attention a half-hour’s exchange on matters of substance when he could very well have limited occasion to mere formalities.

Duke

1. Source: National Archives and Records Administration, RG 59, Central Files 1967-69, POL 17-5 US-SP. Secret; Priority; Limdis.
2. Ambassador Duke left post March 30. President Johnson appointed Robert E. Wagner of New York as Ambassador to Spain on June 24. Wagner presented his credentials on July 4.