Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1944-11-26

VlLAl QueSt1On 1Of the united NauOnS,
particularly the United States and
Great Britain: What. shall be the future
role in world affairs OF state which
once was regarded as the third leg of the
Axis triumverate in Europe, Cen Fran
cisco Frances Spain?
Bereft Of all theological support on
the continent Of Europe. 1t seemS impos-
sible to observers here that Spain, iso-
lated, can long survive as a totalitar-
ian state Apparently Gen. Franco him.
self Is doing some realistic thinking
along this line.
A few days ago the head of the Span
ish state broke long silence to give an
American press association an interview
In which he denied that Spain had ever
been either Fascist or Nazi and as
serted, moreover, that because his people
followed Catholic principles, an al
lance between Spain and Nazi-Fascist
state would have been impossible. At the
end OF this long interview, Gen. Franco
limited broadly that he had in mind the
restoration of the Spanish monarchy.
want Place In Parleys.
On the heels of this interview, articles
began appearing In the State dominated
Spanish press maintaining a community
Of interest between Spain and the DEM
ocratic powers and insisting that Madrid
be given a voice in postwar European
settlements.
All Of which has been extremely in
teresting to the State Department.
1t Is easy for one to be cynical about
the vote face of Gen. Franco now that
italian Fascism is in the scrap heap and
German Naziism faces sure death. OBJ
visously Gen. Frances newly-found af-
finity with the democratic world is the
result of stern necessity. He realizes, OBJ
viously, that Spain soon will be the sole
survivor Of the Nad-Fascist clan in
Europe and that, to live, his country
must establish friendly relations with
the democratic powers which will DOM
mate the postwar world.
Yet, from . realistic viewpoint, both
American and British statesmen know
that Spain is q state of potential i'm
portance, both militarily and econom-
ically, which must be fitted into the
postwar family Of European nations.
Moreover, the future OF Spain is of i'm
mediate concern, for different reasons.
to both the United States and Great
Britain.
Spain Important 10 Britain.
In normal years the United States has
had : lucrative trade with Spain, one
which generally yields this country a
favorable balance. Aviation landing
rights In Spain are important in the de-
yelopnant Of postwar American air
routes both to Europe and the Middle
LAST. More, the fact that Latin America
regards Spain Is It's racial and cultural
motherlAnd influences Washington's de-
atre for cordial relations with Madrid.
Britains interest in Spain Is even
more direct. A strong but antagonistic
government there might seize the for
tress OF Gibraltar and so menace Brit
aims life line" to India through the
Mediterranean. Furthermore, it Is OBJ
viously to England's interest to fit Spain
into Western European bloc of DEM
ocratic states including France, Italy.
Belgium, Holland and the Scandinav-
ian countries which can be counted on
as q buiwark against a resurgent Ger
many If Russia follows what seems to
be Its present policy of creating an
Eastern European group responsive to
Moscow's policies, London's interest in
this respect will become even more pro-
nounced.
1t is easy to see, then, why both WASH
ington and London are watching keen
" for signs Of . shift toward more lib
eral ground in Spain, which might make
possible its inclusion in democratic
bloc. And official observers here believe
that such signs are evident, although
the present menace to Franco from
Spanish expatriots across the border in
France threatens to check the move
ment
Concessions to U. S.
Although the State Department fire.
quently Is criticized by left-wing groups
in America for what they consider a too
friendly attitude toward Franco. the
record shows that during the last year
or IL months this Government has OBJ
tanned from Madrid, partly as the re-
suit OF economic pressure and partly as
the result Of diplomatic persuasion. a
number Of concessions that have had q
direct bearing on our military victories.
A few Of them may be cited:
As result of American persuasion.
Spain has allowed thousands of refugees
to escape through its ports from Axis
Europe, including $4,000 Frenchmen Of
military age who were permitted transit
to North Africa during the fighting
there. Thousands Of Jews also were as
sisted in fleeing Nazi-held territories.
At the time OF Italy,s capituation,
Spain agreed to give up to the Allies l3
italian vessels which were interned ii
its ports (six in Metropolitan Spain,
seven in Spanish colonies).
At Americas request, Spain closed the
German consulate general in Tangiers
and expelled designated Axis propa-
ganda agents from Spanish territory.
It also banned the movement BY air Of
German nationals from Spain to Tan
giers. hot-bed Of German espinage
and intrigue.
Spain recently granted the United
States landing rights for civil aircraft,
Banned Tungsten Ore 10 Naxis.
For more than 10 months before
movement Of freight overland to Ger
many was made impossible BY the Allied
invasion Of France. Spain. q the result