Stranica 1 [1]
The first and foremost impression one gains when
visiting Spain this early summer of 1952, is the fact
of the almost unbelievable economic recovery of the
country. Mis 4s due not so much to American aid ¬
in fact, official asinine aid, except for the building
of airports and some harbour constructions, is yet to
come, and is being discussed in Madrid at the present
time. What has helped Spain is, first of all, an
excellent harvest last year, and brilliant prospects
for this year. Water supply is ample, and hence there
4s sufficient electrical power available in order to
permit industries to work at full speed. Besides this
fact, which has permitted Spain in the last few months to
start exporting foods, especially potatoes, to the
United States, thus improving Spain's dollar balance,
there has. tg di slow, steady, and healthy capital
influx into the country. ‘This is done without publicity,
and very progressively. The capital comes mostly from
North America, but to a certain extent is also refugee
capital from such countries as Argentina, Bolivia, and
other Latin American countries threatened by Socialism,
or political upset.
The result of all this is a feeling of well-being,
even in the more depressed classes of the population.
mere is a great current of optimism, due to the fact that
month by month, in many small ways, the situation has
improved for the people. ‘the most dramatic-move in this
betterment was the decision made by the Government to lift
all rationing, except for coffee, as of June ist. The
first results of this announced measure have been a steady
drop of food prices for the population, despite the fact
that many highly placed men in the Spanish régime had
gloomily foretold that the end of rationing would mean
sky-rocketing prices. 7
Another interesting fact is that on the international