What motivated Britain and France to maintain a non-intervention policy during the Spanish Civil War?

The motivation for Britain and France to maintain a non-intervention policy during the Spanish Civil War was largely influenced by a desire to remain on good terms with Germany. During this period, both countries were wary of escalating international tensions, particularly given the rise of fascism under Adolf Hitler's regime. By avoiding direct involvement in the Spanish Civil War, Britain and France aimed to prevent a broader conflict that might draw in Germany and Italy, who were supporting Francisco Franco and the Nationalists.

This cautious approach was also reflective of a broader strategy of appeasement that characterized British and French foreign policy in the lead-up to World War II, where they sought to avoid confrontation with aggressive powers. The non-intervention policy was seen as a way to stabilize the situation in Spain without provoking the fascist states, which could have had wider repercussions across Europe.

While there were indeed pressures from the United States regarding their own stance during the Civil War, and the complexities of international relations involved various factors, maintaining favorable relations with Germany was a central justification for Britain and France's hesitance to intervene directly in the conflict.