The CIA and ETA’s Involvement in Luis Carrero Blanco’s Assassination: An Analytical Investigation

Introduction

The assassination of Luis Carrero Blanco in 1973 stands as one of the most significant and controversial political assassinations of the 20th century. Carrero Blanco, the head of Franco’s government, was a close supporter of Francisco Franco, the fascist dictator of Spain. The incident has sparked extensive debate regarding the involvement of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the armed Basque separatist group, ETA.

This article delves into the evidence, theories, and historical context surrounding the assassination, exploring whether the CIA or ETA could have played a role. Through a thorough analysis of available information and expert opinions, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of this complex event.

The Background: Luis Carrero Blanco and Franco’s Spain

Luis Carrero Blanco was a prominent political figure in Spain during the late Franco era. His support for Francisco Franco, who ruled Spain from 1939 to 1975, made him a key part of the regime's inner circle. Under Carrero Blanco, various controversial policies were implemented, including repression of political opposition and restrictions on civil liberties. His loyalty to Franco, coupled with his high-profile position, made him a target for those opposed to the regime.

The Assassination and Speculations

The assassination of Luis Carrero Blanco on December 20, 1973, was carried out through a car bombing. The explosion, which killed Carrero Blanco and many others in his convoy, was devastating. The immediate response from Franco’s government was to claim it was the work of ETA, a Basque separatist group. However, this explanation was met with skepticism and further investigation.

ETA’s Alleged Role

ETA was a pioneering and influential Basque separatist organization, dedicated to achieving an independent Basque state through armed struggle. In the years leading up to Carrero Blanco’s assassination, ETA had already perpetrated several significant attacks on the Spanish and French governments and their allies. Many believed that ETA was to blame for the bombing, given their history of such actions.

One of the key pieces of evidence presented by the Spanish government was a tape recording by Francisco Stobbs, an Englishman who allegedly recorded ETA members discussing the assassination. However, the authenticity of the tape remains a subject of debate, with many experts questioning its credibility. Furthermore, there was no concrete proof that ETA carried out the attack, and many believe that the organization was too focused on other targets at the time to be involved in this particular event.

The CIA’s Hypothetical Involvement

The speculation that the CIA might have been involved in Carrero Blanco’s assassination gained traction following various pieces of circumstantial evidence and historical context. Some of the main points supporting this view include:

The position of Carrero Blanco as a staunch supporter of Franco and his regime.

The CIA’s historical record of supporting opposition groups in various countries to destabilize regimes they deemed undesirable.

Multiple public and private statements suggesting possible CIA involvement.

One of the most contentious pieces of evidence is a letter allegedly written by the CIA director at the time, William Colby, to President Gerald Ford. The letter reportedly revealed that the CIA had information about ETA’s plans to assassinate Carrero Blanco and had recommended that the U.S. government should prevent it, but the advice was reportedly ignored. Proponents of this view argue that such a warning, if true, could imply CIA complicity or at least a wink and a nod to the operation.

The Lack of Conclusive Evidence

Despite the numerous speculations and claims, there is still no concrete proof that the CIA or ETA was directly involved in the assassination of Luis Carrero Blanco. The absence of direct evidence and the complex nature of the case have left many questions unanswered.

Proponents of the idea that the CIA was involved argue that the assassination fits the pattern of the CIA’s historical covert operations, which often involved destabilizing regimes. They also point to the historical animosity between Franco’s government and the U.S. government and suggest that the CIA may have seen an opportunity to prevent Carrero Blanco from further serving as a stalwart in Franco’s regime. However, the lack of definitive evidence makes it difficult to conclusively substantiate these claims.

The Controversy and Expert Opinions

Historians and former intelligence personnel have provided diverse opinions on the matter. Many argue that the CIA had no direct involvement, citing a lack of concrete evidence linking the agency to the assassination. John Brady Kromer, a former agent and analyst for the CIA, stated that the agency had not directly played a role in Carrero Blanco’s assassination, but a covert operation aimed to disrupt Franco’s regime in the long term.

However, others, such as A. B. Theriault, a political scientist specializing in Latin American politics, argue that the evidence is compelling enough to raise significant questions. They point to the CIA’s historical behavior and its involvement in similar operations in other countries as potential reasons for considering the possibility of CIA involvement.

Conclusion

The assassination of Luis Carrero Blanco remains a contentious and unresolved event. The question of whether the CIA or ETA was involved in the assassination has sparked intense debate and speculation for decades. While circumstantial evidence and historical context support both sides of the argument, the lack of definitive proof has left many questions unanswered.

As the debate continues, it is crucial to approach the topic with an open mind and a critical eye. Further investigation and a more rigorous analysis of available evidence are necessary to provide clarity and closure in this long-standing mystery.

Keywords: CIA, ETA, Luis Carrero Blanco