Arthur Ferdinand Yencken: A British diplomat in wartime Spain

During the Second World War, the maintenance of Spanish neutrality was of great strategic importance to the British Government and its Allies. The British Embassy in Madrid therefore had a role of crucial significance. This article describes the part played by Arthur Yencken, deputy to Ambassador Hoare, who served in Spain from 24 April 1939 until his death on 18 May 1944. In uncovering Yencken’s contributions to the war effort, the article offers an example of the critical part played by diplomacy in achieving British foreign policy objectives. Analysis of unpublished official documents provides fresh perspectives on trade and other negotiations from 1940 to 1944 including those related to wheat, petroleum and wolfram supplies. These documents demonstrate the quality of Yencken’s diplomatic skills during negotiations with Spanish Foreign Minister Jordana when Yencken was Chargé d’Affaires in his Ambassador’s absence. The article also describes the circumstances of his death and the remarkable responses to it.