THE PRESENT SPANISH SITUATION
seen by the

President- of the Spanish

The anniversary of the glorious day of the 14th. April, which
will live for ever in the memory of the Spanish people, presents it-
self today in a happier light than in previous years. In 1931, our
people, who had not then undergone the terrible internal upheaval
of civil war, showed that it was possible, without the convulsions
of revolution, to change the historical course of the nation and
to open the way to social justice and political equality. Twenty
years later, in 1951, this same people has, in Barcelona, in spite
of the tyranny which enslaves it, given yet another sign of its
heroism, reaffirming for a brief moment the continued existence
of those characteristics which earn the respect of their compa-
triots and the admiration of foreigners. Spain, equal to her
r�putation, tempered by suffering, has again shown that all
calculation based on her apparent submission to dictatorship are
erroneous and that no peace can exist in the country as long
as right and liberty are still flouted and reviled.

This important occurrence, anticipating the anniversary of
the Republic, has a significance for both the governments of
democratic countries and for republican emigres. I feel sure I
am not mistaken when I affirm that international opinion has
been convinced by the Barcelona strike that the Spanish people
wished to show, nay to prove, that the regime that claims to
represent it, is incompatible with all that Spain stands for. From
now on, in all that concerns Spain, none of those who decide
Western policy can any longer be deaf or blind, unless they are
induced to remain so by some shortsighted tactical interest. Ws
shall not have to wait long for the proof of my interpretation.
The course of events is gathering speed and the hour of the great
crisis approaches, the crisis wlrch will decide the destruction or
the salvation of the world.

Spain has calmly made her voice heard. It would be criminal
and contrary to the interest of liberty and general morality to

ignore this appeal. In spite of the bitter disillusionment of the
last months, I myself have not lost hope that the wisdom of
British policy, the good sense of France, the democratic feelings
of Italy and the moral Tightness of those who govern North Ame-
rica will seek and find an agreement which will facilitate Spanish
liberation.

Yet, I admit it is possible that a so-called realistic policy
may again rear its ugly head and oppose the satisfaction which
is Spain's right. So much the worse for everyone. 'Worst of all
for the cause of democracy and for the future community of
action in which our country cculd be an ally, but in which she
will never play the part of a mercenary army. .

To be sincere, I must point out the anxiety felt by the
democrats in my country regarding the vacillations of Western
diplomacy. In saying this, without obsequiousness or pride, I am
merely doing my duty, though I know that our attitude and view-
point may annoy some sections cf public opinion. This would be
a dramatic moment for any movement devoted to the liberation
of an enslaved country ; here it is even more dramatic as it
concerns Spain, for whatever her faults and weaknesses, she has
shown her irrevocable will to conserve her liberty. That is why
the demonstration made by the people of Catalonia contains a
warning. Those who govern the world, should, I repeat, study it
with care.

This warning is also addressed to the emigres. The Spanish
republican movement in exile has a double duty to perform : first
to help the democratic movement inside Spain by impeding or
making difficult the incorporation of the dictatorial regime into
the community of democratic nations, and secondly, once national
rights have been restored, by decreeing the abolition of all insti-
tutional machinery set up or modified in exile.

It is obvious that the fact that we are working for the liber-
ation of our country gives us no rights to govern it. It is also
obvious that the fact that we must in the future renounce our
provisory power, does not exempt us from the duty of fulfilling
our present obligations. To make the continuity of our office a
condition of our services would have all the characteristics of
an odious political manoeuvre, and it would be a clumsy excuse
to demand such continuity on the grounds that it would avoid
inefficacity or stagnation.

Both the Spanish people and our duty towards history point
unmistakably to the task which faces us : to work, but not to

hinder. I confidently hope that those emigres whose courage and
deeds have exalted our distant land will hear the voice of oppres-
sed Spain, that they will assist either by means of direct aid
by the example of their conduct the freedom movement which is
being developed inside the country.

This work of liberation has an inevitable complement : the
pacification of the country and the reconciliation of its different
elements. No people can live in a state of permanent civil war,
with families divided and social life destroyed. Such a social and
political climate can produce nothing of value. Hate breeds hate
and blood demands more blood. The priests of the religion of
fratricidal war bring death upon a whole nation. .

Liberty and national reconciliation must be our aim for the
next anniversary of the 14th. April. I express this our desire
from exile, beseeching all republicans and all Spaniards devoted
to the service of their country, to strive their utmost to make it
possible for the sacred principles of liberty � on which all human
progress is founded � and national peace, to crown our common
effort in 1951. This would be the finest example we could show to
a distraught and anxious world, and the most solid guarantee of
the reconstitution of Spain, whose interest demands sacrifices
from her sons.

This is the task, a task already begun, which awaits us. Let
us continue this task with resolution to the end. The eternal
interests of Spain and the essential interests of world-wide demo-
cracy and liberty demand it of us.

Paris, April 1951.

Diego MARTINEZ BARRIO.