Was there an Alternative Course of Action?

Abstract

Spain’ s first official reaction to its exclusion from the European discussions on Marshall’ s offer was one of pride and feigned ignorance. It was ‘with discretion and sense of touch and speaking on own account’ that the Chargé d’Affaires in Washington was instructed to say the following: Spain, always ready for peaceful international collaboration, was less in need of aid than the rest of Europe. It would not accept Marshall aid if it conflicted with its national dignity and sovereignty. Spain had requested nothing and only aimed to be left in peace to continue its path toward ‘national unity and political perfection’ (sic).¹ The Spanish government would only join the European Conference for Economic Cooperation (the so-called Paris Conference, July 1947) if officially invited, and, should it join the Conference, it would only collaborate in economic matters without assuming any political compromise. The government soon changed its attitude.