Lets say Franco decides to send troops to assist the French during the Algerian War, particularly during a time when Morocco is still under the joint rule of France and Spain. What would the effects be, if anything, besides Franco's popularity at home declining and Moroccan nationalists disliking him even more?
WI: Spain sends troops to French Algeria 1954-56
- Thread starter Ismailov
- Start date
I'm not sure that militarily this would have much difference: the French were pretty successful in their fight on the ground against the ALN and I don't know how much Spanish forces could have added to this.
Politically I think the French were always looking for a settlement on the best terms possible so having another European nation getting involved would probably not have been very welcome.
What would Franco have gained other than possibly propping up Spain's position in Morocco?
Politically I think the French were always looking for a settlement on the best terms possible so having another European nation getting involved would probably not have been very welcome.
What would Franco have gained other than possibly propping up Spain's position in Morocco?
Franco was still pretty radioactive at this time - the last fascist standing. A French government which accepted military assistance from Spain, especially troops, would probably fall within weeks; would almost certainly be clobbered at the next election. It would also taint French rule in Algeria with fascist associations.
Franco's offer would be firmly declined.
Oh, yes, and Algeria was considered part of Metropolitan France. So here is a foreign government offering to "assist" France in governing its own territory.
What if Canada had offered to send troops and police to help put down the Detroit riots in the 1960s? What if France offered to help Britain secure Northern Ireland? Etc., etc.