UN Resolution on Spain (1946): Franco Regime and International Isolation
This text is an excerpt from the “Resolution of the General Assembly of the United Nations (UN) on relations with Spain.” It was prepared by the UN and published in New York, the organization’s main headquarters. The UN, an international institution and successor to the League of Nations, was established in San Francisco (USA) in 1945 after World War II. It emerged with the aim of implementing peace, promoting friendship among nations, and supporting the economic progress of developing countries. Initially, 51 countries were part of this institution; now, there are 192 members. The European headquarters (and second world headquarters) is in Geneva (Switzerland).
This is a political document and a primary historical source intended for the Franco government and UN member states. It framed the text in the context of the Spanish Civil War, during the difficult “years of iron.” After a bloody civil war in Spain (1936-39), the country became a dictatorship under the military leader Francisco Franco, who was called Caudillo and Generalissimo. The post-war period was characterized by political repression, economic misery, and extreme Francoist propaganda. Poor diet and lack of medical resources led to diseases like typhus and tuberculosis, especially in children. Financially, during this time of famine and poverty, the government implemented autarkic policies and established ration cards (1939-1951). A black market for food flourished. Politically, Spain was isolated. The UN condemned Franco’s undemocratic regime in 1946 and banned Spain from joining.
This paper provides keys to examine the UN’s reasons for denying Spain entry.
First,
the UN defined Franco’s regime as “fascist,” noting his rise to power with the help of Hitler’s Germany and Mussolini’s Italy. Franco also had support from Portugal and Ireland, while the Republican side was supported by Russia and the International Brigades (though the latter is not mentioned in the text).Second,
the UN believed that Franco aided the aforementioned dictators, despite Allied complaints. This occurred during World War II, although the report does not specify. Franco remained neutral, despite Hitler and Mussolini wanting Spain to join the Axis. However, Franco, who sympathized with the Italian-German side, sent thousands of Spanish volunteers (the Blue Division, 1941-43) to fight against communism in Russia alongside the German army. The Blue Division comprised Falangists, Civil War veterans, college students, and pro-Nazi anti-communists.Then, the UN prohibited Spain from joining the organization and all related international agencies until Spain changed its political regime and became a democracy. It veiled a threat to the Franco government to hold elections, or the UN Security Council would take action (not specified).
Finally,
the UN recommended that its Member States pressure the Franco regime by withdrawing their embassies, which they did one after another. In fact, when analyzing this document, the UN unequivocally opposed Franco’s “fascist” regime and denied its entry. As a result, Spain became isolated during a tough post-war period. France closed its border, and numerous ambassadors left. However, during the Cold War, particularly in 1955, the UN decided to admit Spain, even with Franco still in power. This change was due to the Western capitalist bloc, led by the United States, wanting allies in Europe against the rising communist bloc led by the USSR.In conclusion, this political context explains why the UN rejected Spain’s entry in 1945. However, the prestige and consistency of this international institution were seriously questioned when it later admitted Franco’s Spain.