International Pressure on Franco's Spain: The 1946 UN Resolution

Post-World War II: International Isolation of Franco's Spain

After the Second World War in 1945, the international isolation of the Franco regime was agreed upon at the Potsdam Conference by France, Britain, the Soviet Union, and the United States. Following this, the UN General Assembly, in session on December 12, 1946, passed a resolution aimed at forcing political change in Spain towards a democratic nature.

The Nature of Franco's Regime and UN Concerns

While Spain under Franco won the Civil War with the help of Nazi Germany and Mussolini's Italy, Franco's regime, though totalitarian, was arguably never fully fascist, even in its early stages, as the state never controlled or aspired to control every aspect of life. Nevertheless, the UN resolution aligned with the view that it was a fascist regime.

UN Resolution's Stance: Franco as a Fascist Regime

Section A of the resolution clearly states: "The Franco regime is a fascist regime, organized and implemented largely through the help of Nazi Germany and Mussolini's Italy."

Allegations of Aid to Axis Powers

Paragraph B recognized that, despite the protests of the Allies, "Franco provided considerable aid to the enemy powers."

Logistical Support and Espionage

This support is understood to include logistical aid to the German navy, encompassing procurement and, in many cases, espionage activities conducted from Spanish ports and seas.

UN Recommendations for Spain's Future

The General Assembly, taking into account the Manifesto of Lausanne by Don Juan de Borbón and the voice of Republican Spain in exile, made several recommendations:

• It recommended banning the Franco government from belonging to the international bodies established by the United Nations.
• This ban was to remain in effect until a new and appropriate government was formed in Spain.

Franco's Resistance and Spain's Isolation

From the outset, it was clear, to the disappointment of Republicans and democrats, that Franco had no intention of retiring. Despite intense international pressure that isolated Spain from the rest of Europe, the country was plunged into isolation and the misery of autarky.

Restoring Freedom and Democratic Governance

The UN resolution aimed for Spain to recover the state of freedom that existed before the Civil War. It stipulated that there should be established in Spain "a government whose authority comes from the governed," and that the entire process should be conducted "free from coercion and intimidation."

Diplomatic Sanctions: Withdrawal of Ambassadors

In the last paragraph of the resolution, the General Assembly recommended "that all member states of the United Nations immediately withdraw their ambassadors and ministers plenipotentiary accredited in Madrid."

Franco's Response: The Plaza de Oriente Demonstration

This decision, made at the time of maximum international isolation for Franco's regime, resulted in the convening, by the regime's forces, of a great demonstration of support for Franco in the Plaza de Oriente in Madrid. This square was a frequent scene for large gatherings whenever the Franco regime felt stifled by international or domestic pressures.