Fernando María Castiella y Maíz

Who was Fernando María Castiella y Maíz?

Fernando María Castiella y Maíz was a Spanish diplomat, Professor of Private International Law, politician, and the minister of Foreign Affairs of Spain during Spain under Franco's regime.

He read Law and held a Doctorate from the University of Madrid. He also undertook postdoctoral specialisation at the Universities of Paris, Cambridge and Geneva and at the Hague Academy of International Law. He was appointed Catedrático of Public International Law at the University of Madrid in 1935. A Spanish Confederation of the Autonomous Right activist during the Second Republic, he often wrote in El Debate about international issues and was vice-president of the Catholic Students' Confederation.

When the Civil War started he fled from Madrid to the Nationalist zone, joining the Nationalist Army as official of the General Staff. During the Second World War he joined the Blue Division, a unit of Spanish volunteers that served in the Nazi German Army on the Eastern Front. With José María de Areilza, and wrote Reivindicaciones de España, that drafted an expansionist programme over French African colonies. The book was written at the height of Nazi Germany's power and Franco had considered entering war on Hitler's side.