Los servicios de Prensa extranjera en el primer franquismo (1936-1945)

Abstract

One of the key objectives of the "propaganda war" is to lead individuals to adopt an idea or making such act that are free to comply or not, to do or not do, and usually without the propaganda did not adopt. It proposes to "capture" the subject to a cause whose acceptance is not imposed on their evidence. If this "evidence" is supported by the invaluable collaboration of terror and repression, is deductible by the individual acceptance is not a problem, otherwise it would be at stake his own life. This scheme is valid for domestic propaganda, because the State has in these cases the means for controlling and monitoring the population on its borders hosts. The problem becomes when you have to "induce" other nations to take sides on a voluntary basis without the help of a coercive power, for ideals that are foreign and often objectionable. Franco's side, although not at first considered the defense of their thesis abroad as a pressing need to continue the war realized that action had to add weapons persuasive and legitimizing effect of machinery propaganda. Thus, during the Civil War and the Second World War, the Franco regime, under the state-created diplomatic delegations and offices numerous press and propaganda abroad, seeking political and cultural influence in those countries where they were located. In addition, all intended to combat the Republican propaganda pushed by Europe and America. After completion of the Civil War, the tasks of legitimation and information as a priority followed an intense campaign of Spain's prestige abroad. To achieve such a goal would be used by the Delegations of Press and Propaganda with embassies, consulates and legations, that through the celebration of public events, publication of newspapers and magazines, publication of papers in international media, etc.., Should contribute to show the world the qualities and values that governed New Spain. Moreover, during the time of the Second World War, the Iberian Peninsula became a first-order scenario in which the belligerent (Allies and Axis countries) developed an intense propaganda war. All these issues are discussed in the present investigation.