This work examines the Spanish question in the context of post-war French politics and foreign policy, in particular during the period 1943--1946. The war had been fought against authoritarian fascism, yet Francisco Franco and his regime remained in power. Spanish Republican refugees in France were heralded as model democrats awaiting liberation, a liberation that France could best provide through pursuit of an antagonistic policy toward Franco. But in reality, members of Charles de Gaulle's government-in-exile had developed ties to Spain during the war in conjunction with the United States and Great Britain. France was in the midst of renewal and redefinition, a process with both national and international aspects. The importance of the Spanish case in that process has been neglected by historians. With significant differences, there was an important parallel to the debates that engaged France during the Spanish Civil War. Different visions of France and its role in Europe competed with one another as Spanish policy was debated.

Based on research from unpublished sources from state and private archives in Paris, Madrid, Toulouse, London and Washington, this book is essential reading for Spanish and French History scholars.