French, Spanish and Axis Reactions to the Seizure of a Certain Island. Note by the Secretary

strengthen her defences in Southern Spain. She would, however, not be likely to take offensive action against the Allies for the reason amongst others that she is dependent on external sources for essential supplies including wheat and oil, which at present reach her through the blockade. When subsequently German troops were released from the Russian Front the present Spanish Government, if still in power, would be likely to yield to German pressure, even to the extent of active co-operation by allowing passage of German troops.