The key to the Mediterranean and a hesitant ally
At the end of 1940, the Caudillo governs a bled-white Spain, barely emerged from a civil war that ruined its countryside and its transport network. Officially 'non-belligerent', Spain leans towards the Axis without having thrown itself in.
Berlin covets the Strait of Gibraltar, the British lock of the western Mediterranean. The Felix plan provides for moving German troops through Spanish territory to seize the Rock, which would strangle the Royal Navy. At the meeting in Hendaye, in October, Franco multiplied his demands — Gibraltar, French Morocco, massive deliveries — and promised nothing definite. Hitler emerged exasperated.
On 5 December, the Führer makes his decision: he will have Franco asked for permission to cross the Spanish frontier, aiming for an operation in early January 1941. Two days later, on 7 December, Admiral , head of German military intelligence, presents himself in Madrid to press Spain to enter the war without delay. Franco knows the balance of forces: his country can neither feed nor supply a German army, and the British fleet could retaliate by striking the Canaries and the overseas possessions. The demand is on the table.
Should Franco authorise the passage of German troops towards Gibraltar and bring Spain into the war, or decline Canaris's request?
Franco chooses B: he refuses, explaining to Canaris that Spain, starving and dilapidated, cannot sustain a German army, and that such an adventure would expose the Canaries and the colonies to a British counter-attack. On his return, Canaris passes on the report; Hitler then decides to abandon Operation Felix. In February 1941, the OKW even notifies the navy that Felix is set aside, the earmarked troops being required elsewhere — in the East. The Rock remains British for the whole war, and the western Mediterranean stays open to Allied convoys. The refusal, long presented as a masterstroke of prudence, is also explained by the Caudillo's exorbitant demands and by the double game of Canaris, who discreetly dissuaded Franco. Spain will remain non-belligerent.
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