Stranica 1 [1]
OCR
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
