Diplomatic Relations (1936–1937)

Abstract

The reciprocity and equality in negotiations which are indispensable between nations if compromises are to be reached to the advantage of both parties were markedly absent in the relations between the powers most concerned in the Spanish civil war. Germany and Italy were not willing to compromise in their declared intention of aiding Franco to win the war in Spain and pursued their own course of action while using the NIC to further their own ends. Britain and France, on the other hand, were in a difficult position because they invariably made the initial moves in securing the cooperation of Germany and Italy upon issues which could not be resolved in the Committee. This placed them in a weak bargaining position of which Germany and Italy were quick to take advantage. The latter quibbled as long as possible in the Committee and then only after diplomatic pressure was exercised tactfully in Rome and Berlin did they condescend to pass the necessary formal laws which were supposed to give effect to non-intervention while actually making no difference whatsoever to the amount of aid that continued to flow to Franco.

“What is the reason and what the motive for the continuance of non-intervention? There is but one, and that is the only policy in regard to Spain which harmonises with a policy of rapprochement with the European totalitarian States.... It is our opinion, and we state it here categorically, that this is a policy which inevitably leads to war ¹).”