The Allies and Spain
It is reassuring to know that the British and -American Govern. ments have adopted firm language towards the Spanish Government, and that words have been backed by deeds in stopping imports of oil for the month of February. In the, early period, of the war our strength was not such that we could bring Spain to book when she committed un-neutral acts in favour of Germany, tlkough we were always able to get some attention from her, thanks to the power of trade-regulation conferred by our blockade and our control of shipping. But times have now changed. The Allies control all Spain's imports from overseas, and are not in the mood to tolerate continued un-neutral acts. The placing of bombs in the cargo of oranges at Gibraltar was only one of the hostile acts planned by the Germans on Spanish territory. The Allies have evidence of the activities of Axis spies and saboteurs operating from Southern Spain, and hitherto tolerated by the Spanish Government. Italian shipping belonging to Marshal Badoglio's Government is still detained in Spanish ports, and a Spanish detachment is still fighting with Germany against Russia on the eastern front. General Franco himself is faced with difficulties owing to the factions in Spain, which contend for the mastery in Spanish politics, but it is within our power to confront him with even greater difficulties if he tolerates actions which damage the Allies. It is not the desire ef this country or America to impose sanctions which would fall most hardly on the Spanish people, a majority of whom are at heart friendly to us. But we have now both the means and the intention to challenge continued breaches of neutrality, and if necessary we shall use them.
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