UN Resolution 1946: Condemning Franco’s Spain
Background of the Resolution
The “UN Resolution on Relations with Spain” is a primary source document drafted by the United Nations on December 12, 1946. This political text was made public in the context of the end of World War II. Although the war continued in Asia and the Pacific, the UN, which succeeded the League of Nations after World War I, aimed to resolve international conflicts through dialogue and respect for human rights. The UN comprises two main bodies: the General Assembly, where members meet annually, and the Security Council, consisting of fifteen countries, five of which have veto power: France, the UK, the USA, Russia, and China.
Addressing the International Community
This resolution was addressed to all countries, serving as an international call to action regarding Spain’s political situation. It also acted as a warning to Francisco Franco, the Spanish dictator. The essential idea was to demand democracy and freedom in Spain, threatening action if these demands were not met.
Defining the “Fascist Regime”
When the text refers to a “fascist regime,” it describes the totalitarian dictatorship established by Franco. This regime was characterized by a single-party system, with national Catholicism as the state ideology. Franco concentrated all powers, although the executive branch was the Council of Ministers, the legislative power resided in the Cortes, and the judiciary in the Tribunals. The pillars of this dictatorship were the Church, the Falange, and the army.
The “Long Struggle” and Foreign Support
The “long struggle” mentioned in the resolution refers to the Spanish Civil War and its aftermath. Franco received significant support from Hitler and Mussolini. In the Basque Country, the situation was particularly dire, with the Condor Legion providing arms and supplies during the Civil War. Subsequently, Franco sent the Blue Division to fight against the Soviet Union and allowed foreign military bases in Spain, including German submarine bases in Fuerteventura. He also supplied iron and tungsten for weapons.
“Does Not Represent the Spanish People”
The statement that Franco “does not represent the Spanish people” highlights that he seized power through an uprising during the Civil War rather than being democratically elected. Due to this undemocratic power grab, Spain was barred from joining international organizations. The UN gave Franco a deadline to establish a liberal democratic system, threatening further action if he failed to comply.
Call for “A New and Adequate Government”
The call for “a new and adequate government” was a response to the oppressive conditions in Spain. The Church and the Falange dominated education, while the media, including communication, film, and the press, were heavily censored. A nationalistic spirit was promoted, and there were no independent unions, political parties, freedom of religion, or assembly. Elections were non-existent. The UN demanded a new government within a “reasonable time,” or else action would be taken.
“Immediately Withdraw Ambassadors”
The resolution urged countries to “immediately withdraw ambassadors” from Spain, isolating the country diplomatically.
“Measures to Remedy the Situation”
The “measures to remedy the situation” refer to the consequences of Franco’s regime and the international response. An international economic and political blockade was imposed on Spain. Franco initially pursued protectionist policies but later sought foreign relations. The UN’s veto led to Spain’s international isolation, with only Perón’s Argentina providing aid in the form of food and oil. This autarky resulted in shortages, increased poverty, and social stratification. Spain was excluded from the UN and received no aid, such as that provided by the Marshall Plan.
Consequences and the 1953 Concordat
The UN’s actions placed Spain in a precarious situation of social isolation, exacerbating the country’s already critical state. This situation persisted until 1953 when Spain signed agreements with the United States. Notably, the Concordat with the Holy See was also signed in 1953. This agreement helped Franco overcome international isolation by confirming the confessional nature of the state and granting the Catholic Church significant privileges in Spain. The Concordat restored privileges to the clergy, exempted the Church from censorship, allowed Catholic Action groups to operate freely, ensured the Church’s independence, and granted the Head of State the right to present bishops. It also validated canonical marriage.
Conclusion
In my opinion, the UN’s stance was appropriate for the period. It gave Franco a deadline to change the situation, warning of potential retaliation. The measures taken led to Spain’s social isolation, worsening the country’s critical condition. This situation was not resolved until the 1953 agreements with the U.S. and the Concordat with the Holy See, which helped alleviate Spain’s international isolation.