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Gibraltar and the Spanish Civil War, 1936-39: Local, National and International Perspectives
Incorporating local, national and international dimensions of the conflict, Gibraltar and the Spanish Civil War, 1936-39 provides the first detailed account of the British enclave Gibraltar's role during and after the Spanish Civil War.
The neutral stance adopted by democratic powers upon the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War is well-known. The Non-Intervention Committee played a key role in this strategy, with Great Britain a key player in what became known as the "London Committee". British interests in the Iberian Peninsula, however, meant that events in Spain were of crucial importance to the Foreign Office and the victory of the Popular Front in February, 1936 was deemed a potential threat that could drive the country towards instability. This book explores how British authorities in Gibraltar ostensibly initiated a formal policy of neutrality when the uprising took place, only for the Gibraltarian authorities to provide real support for the Nationalists under the surface.
The book draws on a wealth of primary source material,some of it little-known before now, to deliver a significant contribution to our knowledge of the part played by democratic powers in the 1930s' confrontation between Communism and Fascism. It is essential reading for anyone seeking a complete understanding of the Spanish Civil War.
The neutral stance adopted by democratic powers upon the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War is well-known. The Non-Intervention Committee played a key role in this strategy, with Great Britain a key player in what became known as the "London Committee". British interests in the Iberian Peninsula, however, meant that events in Spain were of crucial importance to the Foreign Office and the victory of the Popular Front in February, 1936 was deemed a potential threat that could drive the country towards instability. This book explores how British authorities in Gibraltar ostensibly initiated a formal policy of neutrality when the uprising took place, only for the Gibraltarian authorities to provide real support for the Nationalists under the surface.
The book draws on a wealth of primary source material,some of it little-known before now, to deliver a significant contribution to our knowledge of the part played by democratic powers in the 1930s' confrontation between Communism and Fascism. It is essential reading for anyone seeking a complete understanding of the Spanish Civil War.
208 pages, Paperback
First published November 2, 2014
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August 31, 2024
This curious work describes how Gibraltar factored into and influenced the Spanish Civil War, which is something that is rarely discussed in general works on the subject.
The author discusses some interesting points on the issue of Gibraltar's strategic value to the British Empire, which was dubious, and how the awkward presence of the Rock got it caught in the maelstrom between the Republic and the Nationalists.
On the whole, the author argues, the British showed favour to Franco, and provided him with useful services such as refuelling, use of Gibraltar's communications, and with information.
Gibraltar served as a haven for espionage and spies, but also hosted thousands of Spanish labourers and, though pro-Franco, the British authorities provided asylum to Republicans fleeing Spain.
This ambiguous relationship is at the crux of the work, and it is interesting that while the British seemed confident that Franco was not a fascist and would not join Hitler and Mussolini, the final chapters constitute a sort of postscript on British efforts to keep Spain neutral in WWII, and the somewhat embarrassing position of Franco who, as the Spanish head of state had to formally claim Gibraltar as every Spanish Government always has, but also try to conceal the assistance he himself received from the British through the Rock during the civil war.
Anyone interested in the intersection of naval strategy, the Spanish Civil War, and British policy in the 1930s should enjoy this book.
The author discusses some interesting points on the issue of Gibraltar's strategic value to the British Empire, which was dubious, and how the awkward presence of the Rock got it caught in the maelstrom between the Republic and the Nationalists.
On the whole, the author argues, the British showed favour to Franco, and provided him with useful services such as refuelling, use of Gibraltar's communications, and with information.
Gibraltar served as a haven for espionage and spies, but also hosted thousands of Spanish labourers and, though pro-Franco, the British authorities provided asylum to Republicans fleeing Spain.
This ambiguous relationship is at the crux of the work, and it is interesting that while the British seemed confident that Franco was not a fascist and would not join Hitler and Mussolini, the final chapters constitute a sort of postscript on British efforts to keep Spain neutral in WWII, and the somewhat embarrassing position of Franco who, as the Spanish head of state had to formally claim Gibraltar as every Spanish Government always has, but also try to conceal the assistance he himself received from the British through the Rock during the civil war.
Anyone interested in the intersection of naval strategy, the Spanish Civil War, and British policy in the 1930s should enjoy this book.
Displaying 1 of 1 review