Salamanca, May 1937: The Eighth Marquis del Moral and the Turning Point in General Franco’s Foreign Policy Towards Great Britain in the Spanish Civil War

Abstract

Frederick Ramón de Bertodano y Wilson, eighth Marquis del Moral, is an overlooked figure in the relationship between the British government and the military rebels led by General Franco during the Spanish Civil War. Based in London, Moral spearheaded pro-rebel propaganda in Britain and was largely responsible for the formation of the Friends of National Spain. This article places Moral at the centre of its analysis to provide fresh insights into Anglo-Spanish relations during the Civil War. It argues that he played a crucial role in encouraging Franco to reassess his foreign policy towards Britain in the spring of 1937.