United Nations Resolution Against Franco’s Spain (1946)
General Assembly Resolution on UN Relations with Spain (1946)
A Condemnation of the Franco Regime
This document details the United Nations General Assembly’s resolution condemning the Franco regime in Spain, adopted in New York on December 12, 1946. The resolution, addressed to all member countries and Spain, aimed to ensure peace and stability in the post-World War II era.
Characterizing the Franco Regime
The resolution identifies the Franco regime as fascist, highlighting its origins in an illegitimate military coup d’état supported by Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy. It emphasizes the regime’s undemocratic nature and lack of representation of the Spanish people.
Recalling Spain’s Role in World War II
The UN resolution recalls Spain’s considerable assistance to Germany and Italy during the war, despite warnings and proposals made to Franco’s government by the Allied forces.
Recommendations of the General Assembly
- Exclusion from International Agencies: Member countries were recommended to prohibit the Franco government from participating in UN international agencies.
- Exclusion from UN Activities: The resolution advised against the Franco regime’s involvement in UN meetings and activities until a democratic system representing the popular will was restored in Spain.
- Security Council Measures: If Spain failed to establish a representative government respecting fundamental rights and freedoms, the Security Council was authorized to take appropriate measures.
- Severing Diplomatic Relations: The General Assembly recommended that all member countries break diplomatic relations with the dictatorship and withdraw their ambassadors from Madrid, leading to the diplomatic isolation of the regime.
The International Response and Spain’s Isolation
The new international order that emerged after World War II viewed the Franco regime as an enemy due to its undemocratic nature and origins in a military uprising against the Republic. The UN’s condemnation and the subsequent withdrawal of ambassadors, with the exception of Argentina, the Vatican, Portugal, Switzerland, and Ireland, marked a period of intense international isolation for Spain. The country was also excluded from the Marshall Plan, further hindering its post-war recovery.
Spain’s Gradual Reintegration
Around 1950, the Cold War and Spain’s geostrategic importance led to a gradual shift in its international standing. The French border reopened in 1948, followed by trade agreements with France and England. Bilateral negotiations with the U.S. began in 1951, culminating in a concordat with the Vatican and a bilateral treaty with the U.S. in 1953. This treaty, granting the U.S. access to Spanish military bases in exchange for economic and military aid, proved crucial in ending Spain’s isolation.
Spain’s Admission to International Organizations
Spain was admitted to the UN in 1955 and to the International Monetary Fund and World Bank three years later. However, due to its undemocratic nature, it remained excluded from the European Community and NATO.
The Organic Law of the State (1967)
Article 6 of the Organic Law of the State, published in 1967, outlines the powers of the head of state under Franco’s dictatorship. This law, the last of seven fundamental laws defining the regime, aimed to ensure its continuity. The key aspects of Article 6 include:
- Association with National Sovereignty: The head of state was associated with national sovereignty, reinforcing the one-man dictatorship model.
- Executive and Administrative Control: The head of state held total executive and administrative power.
- Head of the National Movement: Franco was also head of the only authorized political party, the National Movement.
- Guardian of Fundamental Laws: The dictator was positioned as the guardian of the kingdom’s fundamental laws.
- Control of Key Institutions: Franco controlled the operation of key institutions.
- Exclusive Legislative Power: The head of state held exclusive legislative power.
- Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces: Franco held supreme command of the armed forces and was responsible for public order and external security.
- Control over Justice and Pardons: Justice was administered in the head of state’s name, and he held the power of pardon.
- Appointment of Public Officials: The head of state appointed public officials and awarded honors and jobs.
The Organic Law of the State, while introducing limited suffrage, ultimately aimed to consolidate Franco’s power and legitimize the dictatorship. Despite economic growth in the 1960s and 1970s, Spain’s per capita income remained below European standards, and inflation and unemployment persisted. The law paved the way for the 1969 succession law, designating Juan Carlos as Franco’s heir. Upon Franco’s death in 1975, Juan Carlos was proclaimed king, marking the end of the dictatorship.