UN Resolution 1946: Spain’s Diplomatic Isolation
UN Resolution Regarding Spain, 1946
The UN Resolution regarding Spain, adopted in 1946 and published by the Spanish press the same year, is a historical document that dictated a policy to expel the Franco regime from all international organizations. The UN, an institution created in 1945 to establish world peace after the two World Wars, saw the United States gain almost exclusive privilege in imposing its ideas on the structure of the new organization due to the role it played in the Second World War. It was stated that Spain would not be admitted to the United Nations while retaining its political system. Spain issued a statement declaring that it would not beg for a position in international organizations.
Post-WWII: Spain’s Worsening Situation
After WWII, the Spanish situation worsened. The United Nations voted for the expulsion of the Franco regime from all international agencies and the withdrawal of ambassadors from Madrid to democratic countries. The resolution recommended a ban on the Franco government belonging to international organizations and participating in conferences and other activities until a new and appropriate government was formed in Spain.
Franco’s Diplomatic Difficulties
The Franco regime experienced more diplomatic difficulties due to the maintenance of its essential features from its collaboration with the Axis powers during WWII. The cause of international isolation was the maintenance of the Franco regime; if the Spanish system had evolved into a democracy, its collaboration in the war with Italy and Germany would have been forgotten.
Limited Impact of the UN Resolution
This resolution of the United Nations had no significant impact because, in fact, the Spanish regime had no relations with many countries. Only three ambassadors were withdrawn. Only the ambassadors of Portugal and Switzerland and the Vatican Nuncio remained in Madrid, which gives a clear idea of the international forces that Spain could count on. Their only support in those moments was Portugal and Argentina, whose ambassador remained in Madrid in a show of support. This collaboration would be of vital importance for the Spanish regime.
Causes of International Isolation
Another cause of international isolation was the failure to break the regime’s impotence, as demonstrated by the opposition. There was a misconception that the Western powers would overthrow Franco.
Spain’s Reaction to the Resolution
Franco learned to reposition himself in this context. Through an effective propaganda campaign, he achieved strong support from the Spanish people against the UN resolution while making other policy changes, adopting certain democratic forms. He formed a new government, granting a greater presence to Catholics and powerfully reducing the influence of the Falange.
Shifting Foreign Policy and the Cold War
Later, foreign policy changed with the outbreak of the Cold War. The diplomatic isolation seemed to further strengthen the regime, and it chose to forget the past. In a situation of international tension, any Western military cooperation scheme was considered good against the Soviet Union.
Spain’s Return to International Organizations
The trajectory of events from 1950 saw all transformations normalized. Diplomatic ties between Spain and the Western powers were restored, and Spain received modest financial aid from the United States. Spain was of great strategic value, and Franco was willing to make any concessions necessary for admission to international organizations, including the installation of American bases and trade agreements.
Spain’s Admission to the FAO and Concordat with the Holy See
U.S. pressure on the UN managed to lift the veto on Franco’s Spain, beginning its return to international organizations. Spain was admitted to the FAO, although it remained marginalized from NATO. Definitive international recognition came in 1953 following the signing of a concordat with the Holy See.