AIDS PgggP
His Majesty's Government in the United
Kingdom are considering the question of granting
full recognition to General Franco and are in
close consultation with the French Government on the
subject.   The French Government favour this step in
principle hut wish first to obtain certain aaauraneas
from General Franco.   They have sent Monsieur Berard
hack to Burgos for farther diaeusalons in this
respect,
8. Meanwhile His Majesty*s Government in the
United Kingdom have received from the Spanish
Government a communication declaring their willingness
to cease hostilities on certain conditions. The
British Agent at Burgos has heen instructed to
communicate this information to General Franco and
to make it clear that whilst His aajesty's Government
recognize his right to decide what, If anyt response
to make to this communication they feel its
consideration might afford an opening for bringing
about a pacific solution.
3. In these circumstances His Majesty's
Government in the United Kingdom have deoided
(a) that it is desirable for them to recognise
General Franco's Government in the near future*
(b) that if possible such recognition should follow
a surrender by $he Spanish Government but that if
the fatter maintain resistance* and negotiations are
prolonged* it may be necessary that recognition
should precede the cessation of hostilities,
lift.* wV.
i
-2-
(o) that as regards belligerent rights Hie Majesty's
Government in the United Kingdom will adhere to the
present position that neither side Is entitled to
exercise these against third parties.
4* The British Agent at Burgos therefore has
been Instructed to inform the Nationalist authorities
of the earnest consideration now being given by His
Majesty*s Government to the grant of full recognition
to General Franco,   such recognition, he will-explain*
would be facilitated if General Franco were able to
accept the terms contained in the Spanish Government's
communicat!on regarding the cessation of hostilities
and if he would be willing to state publicly that when
the fighting is finished he would not permit anything
In the way of unauthorised or general political
reprisals*
6. The French Government have been informed that
whilst His Majesty*s Government in the United Kingdom
are in general agreement with their views as regards
recognition, His Majesty's Government would prefer
full recognition without conditions even if this
entailed a short delay in the event of the Spanish
Government showing signs of surrendering.   If there
seemed, however, a prospect of long delay, His Majesty's
Government in the United Kingdom would probably decide
to proceed with recognition, keeping in the closest
touch with the French Government with a view to parallel
notion.
BRITISH EMBASSY,
WASHINGTON, D. C.,
February 18th, 1989