Spain, 1973–1976
194. Memorandum of Conversation
Summary: Kissinger and Rodo discussed the Year of Europe, Spain, and Gibraltar.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 1027, Presidential/HAK Memoranda of Conversation, Memcons—HAK + Presidential, April–November 1973 (2 of 5). Secret. The meeting took place in the Waldorf Towers. Attached but not published is an undated translation of a letter from Franco to Nixon; and an unofficial translation of an undated Spanish memorandum on Gibraltar. In telegram 179849 to Madrid, September 11, the Department reported that Springsteen gave a copy of the U.S. draft Declaration of Principles to Sagaz on September 5. (Ibid., Box 706, Country Files, Europe, Spain, Vol. IV, January 1972–(June 1974) (2 of 2)) In telegram 186211 to Madrid, September 19, the Department reported that on September 18, Sagaz gave Stabler a note indicating that the Spanish Government, having studied the draft declaration, “would be ready to subscribe to the principles contained” therein. (Ibid.)
195. Telegram 6750 From the Mission in Geneva to the Department of State
Summary: The Mission forwarded a message from Madrid on the second day of Kissinger’s visit to Spain.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy Files, 1973. Secret; Niact Immediate; Exdis. From December 18 to 19, Kissinger visited Madrid. On December 18, he met with Franco and with Juan Carlos; memoranda of conversation recording these talks are ibid., Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 706, Country Files, Europe, Spain, Vol. IV, January 1972–(June 1974) (1 of 2). According to telegram 7563 from Madrid, December 19, Kissinger also met privately with Lopez Rodo on December 18. (Ibid., NSC Files, Kissinger Office Files, Box 43, HAK Trip Files, HAK Trip—Europe & Mid East, Dec 8–22, 1973, State Cables, Memos & Misc) No other record of this conversation was found.
196. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon
Summary: Kissinger sent Nixon a report on the death of Carrero Blancoand analyzed its repercussions for Spain.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 706, Country Files, Europe, Spain, Vol. IV, January 1972–(June 1974) (1 of 2). Secret. Sent for information. Scowcroft initialed the memorandum on Kissinger’s behalf. A stamped notation on the memorandum indicates the President saw it.
197. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Nixon
Summary: Kissinger suggested the need for a re-examination of U.S. policy toward Spain.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–202, Study Memorandums, 1969–1974, NSSM–193. Secret. Sent for action. Attached but not published is Tab A, an undated and unsigned draft NSSM. Kissinger did not initial the memorandum to Nixon. A handwritten notation on the approval line at the bottom of the memorandum reads, “HAK approved for.” The NSSM approved by Kissinger, NSSM 193, is dated February 14 and entitled, “U.S. Policy Toward Spain.” NSSM 193 supplemented NSSM 179, dated April 9, 1973, which was also entitled, “U.S, Policy Toward Spain.” (Ibid., Box H–199, Study Memorandums, 1969–1974, NSSM–179)
198. Summary of a Study Prepared by the National Security Council Interdepartmental Group for Europe
Summary: The study was prepared in response to NSSM 193, U.S. Policy Toward Spain.
Source: National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box H–202, Study Memorandums, 1969–1974, NSSM–193. Secret. Forwarded to Scowcroft under cover of an April 23 memorandum from Hartman, who noted that this study “supplements the response to NSSM 179 submitted on August 30, 1973.” The study prepared in response to NSSM 179, dated August 9, is ibid., Box H–199, Study Memorandums, 1969–1974, NSSM–179.
199. Minutes of Acting Secretary of State Sisco’s Staff Meeting
Summary: Stabler discussed the U.S.-Spanish Declaration of Principles.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Transcripts of Secretary of State Kissinger’s Staff Meetings, 1973–1977, Entry 5177, Box 4, Acting Secretary’s Principals’ and Regionals’ Staff Meeting, July 9, 1974. Secret. Attached but not published is a meeting summary, two agendas, and a list of meeting participants. Kissinger was in Madrid on July 9 to sign the U.S.-Spanish Declaration of Principles and to meet with Cortina. (Memorandum of conversation, July 9; ibid., Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 1029, Presidential/HAK Memoranda of Conversation, Memcons—HAK + Presidential, 1 June 1974–(Aug. 8, 1974) (2 of 3))
200. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Ford
Summary: Kissinger discussed Franco’s health and the Spanish succession.
Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Presidential Country Files for Europe and Canada, Box 12, Spain (1). Secret. Sent for information. A stamped notation on the memorandum indicates the President saw it. An earlier and more extensive version of this paper, in the form of a July 19 memorandum from Clift to Kissinger, is in National Archives, Nixon Presidential Materials, NSC Files, Box 706, Country Files, Europe, Spain, Vol. IV, January 1972–(June 1974) (1 of 2).
201. National Security Decision Memorandum 268
Summary: The President decided that the U.S. should seek to extend the 1970 U.S.-Spanish Agreement of Friendship and Cooperation and provided guidelines for the negotiations.
Source: Ford Library, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box 54, NSDM 268—Renegotiation of Bases Agreement with Spain (2). Secret. Copies were sent to the DCI and the Chairman of the JCS.
202. Key Judgments of National Intelligence Analytical Memorandum 27.1–1–75
Summary: The memorandum analyzed problems of the Spanish succession.
Source: Central Intelligence Agency, History Staff Files. Secret. On March 28, Rockefeller told Ford, Kissinger, and Scowcroft: “I met with the Acting Foreign Minister of Spain. He is worried that the Communists are infiltrating all over the world. They are worried about their own transition. In the old days we would be planning how to have CIA help this transition.” Ford asked, “Is the CIA or 40 Committee doing nothing on Spain?” Kissinger replied, “In your speech, you should say the CIA arrangements with Congress must be changed. So long as you must report to 60 Congressmen, we can do nothing. We don’t need money right now—we need planning. I agree with Nelson—the Communists are on the march.” After Rockefeller and Kissinger discussed Latin America and various forms of U.S. assistance, Ford said, “I think we should do whatever we need to in Spain.” (Memorandum of conversation, March 28; Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Memoranda of Conversation, Box 10)
203. Memorandum of Conversation
Summary: Kissinger and Cortina discussed the U.S.-Spanish base negotiations.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Records of Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, Entry 5403, Box 23, Classified External Memcons, May–December 1975, Folder 1. Secret; Nodis. All brackets are in the original. The meeting took place in the U.S. Delegation Room at the OECD. Kissinger, Stabler, and Cortina discussed the base negotiations on May 23 at Torrejon Air Force Base. (Memorandum of conversation, May 23; ibid.) In telegram 3581 from Madrid, May 26, Stabler analyzed the Spanish negotiating position. (National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy Files, 1975) In telegram 3613 from Madrid, May 27, Stabler reported a meeting with Arias on the schedule for Ford’s visit. (Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Presidential Country Files for Europe and Canada, Box 12, Spain—State Dept Tels To SECSTATE—NODIS (1))
204. Memorandum of Conversation
Summary: Ford, Kissinger, and Cortina discussed U.S.-Spanish relations and NATO.
Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Memoranda of Conversation, Box 12. Secret; Nodis. Drafted by Stabler; and approved by Covey in S. During the first portion of this meeting, before the arrival of U.S. and Spanish officials, Arias discussed Portugal, the Spanish domestic situation, U.S.-Spanish relations, and Spain’s importance to the defense of the West. (Memorandum of conversation, May 31; National Archives, RG 59, Records of Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, Entry 5403, Box 13, Misc. Docs, Tels, Etc., 1975, Folder 1. The meeting ended at 4:40 p.m. (Ford Library, White House Central Files, President’s Daily Diary) Ford and Kissinger were in Madrid from May 31 to June 1. Ford and Franco met on May 31 at 1:30 p.m., when they discussed NATO, Spain, Communism, and Portugal. (Memorandum of conversation, May 31; ibid., National Security Adviser, Memoranda of Conversation, Box 12)
205. Memorandum of Conversation
Summary: Kissinger, McCloskey, Stabler, and Hartman discussed the U.S-Spanish base negotiations.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy Files, P820123–1595. Secret; Nodis. Drafted by Barbour on October 1; and approved by Covey in S. The meeting took place in the Waldorf Towers. The paper to which Hartman and Kissinger refer was not found. The memorandum of conversation on the September 22 discussion between Kissinger and Cortina in New York is ibid., P820123–1569. Kissinger and Cortina met again on September 26, September 30, and twice on October 4 to negotiate the agreement; memoranda of conversation on these meetings are ibid., P820123–1606, P820123–2606, P820123–1595, and P820123–2406. Kissinger met with Stabler and McCloskey on September 26 and October 4 to discuss the base negotiations; memoranda of conversation on these discussions are ibid., P820123–1628, P820123–1633, P820123–2398, and P820123–2395.
206. Memorandum of Conversation
Summary: Kissinger and De Prado discussed Spain during the transition.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Records of Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, Entry 5403, Box 23, Classified External Memcons. Secret; Sensitive. The meeting took place in the Secretary’s Office.
207. Memorandum of Conversation
Summary: Kissinger and De Prado discussed Spain during the transition.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Records of Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, Entry 5403, Box 20, Classified External Memcons. Secret; Sensitive. The meeting took place in the Secretary’s Office. [text not declassified]
208. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Kissinger) to President Ford
Summary: Kissinger reported the conclusion of the U.S.-Spanish base negotiations.
Source: Ford Library, NSC Institutional Files (H-Files), Box 54, NSDM 268—Renegotiation of Bases Agreement with Spain (1). Secret; Sensitive. Sent for information. Scowcroft initialed the memorandum on Kissinger’s behalf. A stamped notation on the memorandum indicates the President saw it. Ford initialed the memorandum.
209. Memorandum of Conversation
Summary: Kissinger, Sonnenfeldt, Stabler, and Hartman discussed U.S.-Spanish relations.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy Files, P840139–0556. Secret; Nodis. Drafted by Barbour; and approved in S on January 2, 1976. Franco died on November 20. On November 22, Rockefeller and Stabler attended Juan Carlos’ investiture as Chief of State and proclamation as King. On November 23, they attended Franco’s funeral. SNIE 27.1–2–75, November 20, explored Spain’s short-term prospects in the wake of Franco’s death. It suggested that “the critical question is whether a controlled liberalization can gain broader support for the regime, without triggering reactions from the Franquist right—which may still be able to obstruct political change—and without being exploited by Spain’s clandestine Communist Party (PCE) and separatist groups.” (Central Intelligence Agency, History Staff Files)
210. Telegram 283446 From the Department of State to the Embassy in Spain
Summary: The Department sent instructions for Stabler’s meeting with Juan Carlos.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy Files, N750006–0388. Secret; Cherokee; Immediate; Nodis. Drafted by Barbour in EUR/WE; cleared by Hoganson and Woods in S/S; and approved by Hartman. In telegram 284990 to the Secretary’s Delegation, December 3, the Department forwarded to Kissinger a report from Stabler on his December 3 talk with Juan Carlos. (Ibid., N750006–0428) Kissinger’s proposed trip to Madrid in December was postponed until January 1976.
211. Memorandum of Conversation
Summary: Kissinger, Stabler, Hartman, and Areilza discussed the U.S.-Spanish base negotiations, the Spanish Sahara, and the Spanish political situation.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Records of Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, Entry 5403, Box 23, Classified External Memcons, May–December 1975, Folder 5. Secret; Nodis. All brackets are in the original. The meeting took place in the U.S. Ambassador’s residence. Kissinger was in Paris from December 15 to 17 to attend the Conference on International Economic Cooperation.
212. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Scowcroft) to President Ford
Summary: Scowcroft discussed the U.S.-Spanish Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation.
Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Presidential Country Files for Europe and Canada, Box 12, Spain (3). Confidential. Sent for information. A stamped notation on the memorandum indicates the President saw it. Ford initialed the memorandum. On January 24, Kissinger met with Arias, as well as Juan Carlos; the following day he met with Areilza and Spanish Minister of the Interior Manuel Fraga Iribane. (Memoranda of conversation, January 24 and 25; National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy Files, P820117–0304, P820117–0517, and P820117–0385)
213. Memorandum of Conversation
Summary: Ford, Kissinger, Juan Carlos, and Areilza discussed Lebanon, Spain, Italy, and Portugal.
Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Memoranda of Conversation, Box 19. Secret; Nodis. All brackets are in the original. The meeting took place in the Oval Office. Juan Carlos paid an official visit to Washington from June 1 to 4. On June 2, Kissinger briefed Ford on his forthcoming meeting with Juan Carlos and Areilza: “There is a difference between the King and the Foreign Minister. [1 line not declassified] The Foreign Minister sees the King as a constitutional monarch. The King sees himself as Giscard. Everyone is pressing Spain to move fast. Spain has fluctuated between authoritarianism and anarchy. There is no democratic tradition. They need time to develop the center. I would treat the King as if he had the authority, even though it might make the Foreign Minister restive. I would ask him his plans, but suggest he move fast enough to keep the pressure under control but not so fast to get out of control.” (Memorandum of conversation, June 2; ibid.)
214. Memorandum From Denis Clift of the National Security Council Staff to the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Scowcroft)
Summary: Clift discussed the Senate’s declarations concerning the U.S.-Spanish Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation.
Source: Ford Library, National Security Adviser, Presidential Country Files for Europe and Canada, Box 12, Spain (4). Secret. Sent for information. Attached but not published is Tab A. Scowcroft initialed the memorandum.
215. Memorandum of Conversation
Summary: Kissinger and De Prado discussed the Spanish political situation.
Source: National Archives, RG 59, Records of Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, Entry 5403, Box 19, NODIS Briefing Memos, 1976, Folder 2. Secret; Sensitive. The meeting took place in the U.S. Ambassador’s residence. Kissinger was in Mexico City from November 29 to December 2, where he attended the inauguration of President Jose Lopez Portillo.