Spanish Neutrality: Release of Blocked Funds

A file of correspondence concerning a scheme to bribe prominent members of the Spanish government to maintain neutrality during the Second World War, and subsequent attempts to release the funds to be used for this purpose after they became blocked while being transported through Washington D.C. The letters discuss the need to maintain Spanish neutrality; the possibility of distributing money to important Spaniards to secure their cooperation; arrangements for the transfer of money via New York; a list from the ambassador of people to be given money, along with discussion of this list; the British government’s refusal to support attempts to overthrow the government, and their reluctance to antagonise the Spanish government; and difficulties in transferring the money from New York to Spain due to United States legislation.