La Voz de César Vidal · Noticias Hispanas

Editorial: Senador Graham, por favor, cierre las bases en España - 12/03/26

·23 min·2 clips

César Vidal explains how a 1950 UN vote saved Franco's dictatorship and began Spain's military dependence on America.

César Vidal hosts this editorial from exile, opening with the 1950 UN Resolution 386 that helped secure Franco's regime post-World War II. He explains how the 1953 Madrid Pacts established U.S. military bases in Spain through three agreements on war supplies, economic aid, and mutual defense. A secret protocol allowed the U.S. to use bases unilaterally during a communist threat without informing Spain. Five major bases were installed, including air bases in Morón, Zaragoza, Torrejón, and San Pablo, and a naval base in Rota. Spain received over $1.5 billion in economic compensation and $456 million in second-hand military equipment. Vidal notes Spanish opposition to the bases, citing the 1966 Palomares incident where U.S. aircraft collided and dropped four thermonuclear bombs. He mentions Admiral Carrero Blanco's 1973 opposition to using bases for the Yom Kippur War, followed by his assassination. The episode covers Spain's NATO entry and current bases under the 1988 Defense Cooperation Agreement. Recently, Senator Lindsey Graham demanded the withdrawal of U.S. bases from Spain, criticizing the Spanish government's stance on the Iran war. Vidal disputes Graham's claims about Iran's nuclear program, referencing IAEA reports and a fatwa against nuclear weapons. He criticizes Graham as a bellicose politician influenced by pro-Israel lobbying. Vidal argues the bases represent vassalage, involving Spain in conflicts like Iran and risking nuclear exposure. He urges the Spanish government to denounce the agreement and close the bases, appealing directly to Graham. The episode concludes with reflections on Spanish public debt and U.S. war spending.

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