Unparalleled in History

Resplendent in a black tailored topcoat, carefully-tilted Homburg and what Missouri-born Harry Truman likes to call "striped pants," the new Spanish ambassador arrived at the White House last week to present his credentials to the President of the U.S. Harry Truman, who bitterly dislikes Franco, did not dally with Ambassador Don Jose Felix de Lequerica y Erquiza. The whole ceremony took less than three minutes, including two handshakes and an exchange of formal greetings. But for all the hustle, Don Jose managed to have his say. Said he:

"The present efforts of your country, perhaps unparalleled in the history of man, have made it the nation towards which all countries desiring international morality turn. The United States have not circumscribed their living to the mere enjoyment of their splendid national life; their awareness of the problems of our times has led them to uphold those principles and has moved them to the supreme sacrifice from their men: their lives.

"It is not surprising, therefore, that the faith and trust of all men is with these United States. Spain, Mr. President, is no exception."

Afterward, Ambassador de Lequerica, a shrewd bon vivant who has unofficially held down Spain's Washington embassy since 1948, was asked by reporters what Spain could contribute. "Spain," he replied, "is a nation absolutely ready to resist any aggression and defend Europe."

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