Un’amicizia interessata. Stati Uniti e Spagna franchista dal 1939 al 1942

Abstract

An interested friendship: the United States and Franco Spain, 1939-1942

Through ambassadors Weddell and Ayes, the United States brought strong pressure to bear on the early Franco regime, making use of oil and food supplies in order to avoid Spain’s participation in the war on the Axis’ side, as well as to contain Franco’s ideological influence on Latin America. Madrid, her turn, and Serrano Suñer in particular, adopted an ambiguous attitude in accordance with the uncertain course of the war. During 1942, however, the new foreign minister, Jordana, took positions closer to the United States, also in view of a common anti- communist commitment, and in no way Franco apposed the Allies’ landing in North Africa.