How the Allies’ Diplomatic Dialogue Influenced Franco's Foreign Policy in the Context of Operation Backbone (1942–1943)

Abstract

The success of Operation Torch and the Allies’ negotiations with Franco, in the context of Operation Backbone (1942–1943), demonstrates the political and military stakes that the Allies had in both operations. Torch held a central place within Allied strategy in 1942, and this article proves the Allies’ level of commitment to Torch. Both operations sought to maintain Spanish neutrality at all costs to facilitate Germany's expulsion from North Africa and Italy's subsequent defeat. To achieve these objectives, the Allies devised a complex policy based on diplomacy, espionage and bribery.