Not neutral

Abstract

This chapter outlines the nature of Spain’s relationship to the Axis alliance during the Second World War and Allied responses to it. As will be shown, Spanish assistance to the Axis was first and foremost economic but also included Spanish support for Axis military and intelligence operations on Spanish soil and a full range of pro-Nazi propaganda throughout Iberia. The Allies, in response, dealt with Spain in several ways, including the imposition of economic warfare measures and restrictions, suggesting they did not accept the argument that Spain was neutral in the traditional sense of keeping “an equal distance between both parties involved in the war.” The chapter argues that, through some shared ideology, extensive material support, and acquiescence for the establishment of Nazi intelligence agents and operations on Spanish soil, Spain was, indeed, not neutral in the Second World War.