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 an important resource for anyone seeking a more complete understanding of the Spanish Civil War. 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. 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 Cover Half-title Title Copyright Dedication Contents Acknowledgements Introduction 1 Britain, Spain and Gibraltar: An Historical Triangle Spanish foreign policy towards Gibraltar in the opening decades of the century Is Gibraltar worth keeping? A special economy 2 The Spanish Republic and British Diplomacy Republic in Spain, alarm in Whitehall The victory of the Popular Front: unease and reaction 3 The Initial Impact of the Civil War in Gibraltar Air and sea combat around the Rock Governor Harington and the British fleet: humanitarian aid and national interest Desperation at the border: the flood of refugees 4 Diplomats, Journalists and Spies at the Rock War and the diplomatic game The role of opinion Espionage from the Rock 5 Gibraltar in the Midst of a Steady War The nationalist ‘consulate’ The evacuation of refugees Economic warfare 6 Tensions with Nationalist Spain The Queipo incident and other political collisions Rumours, threats and relieved tensions 7 One War Ends, Another Looms A new British goal: strengthening the fortress Strains in a relationship: the Spanish claim to Gibraltar Keeping an eye on Franco Closing Thoughts Illustrations Notes References Index