Is Spain in danger, or has it already surrendered?

When a flag is raised at a protocol ceremony, especially if it is of special importance, in a way that differs from the ordinary one, it should be borne in mind that such an act, which seems insignificant but is not, could be disrespectful to the country in question or to those represented by the flag.  

Hence the importance of those in charge of protocol to take the utmost care in the details of decoration, situation, as well as the appropriate use and distribution of the ornaments that complement the chosen setting.

By hoisting the flag upside down, the original meaning of the ensign is clearly transgressed to give way to the understanding or signalling of another of utmost importance. This clearly runs the risk of being interpreted as a serious misdemeanour at the international level.

In times of peace, hoisting a flag upside down by personnel from outside the country represented may be considered an insult, although, on the other hand, it is interpreted that when this is done by the country's own personnel, it may be a way of sending a message requesting international help because they are seriously threatened by undesirable forces or persons. 

In the case of war, it is also considered as a call for help, as they may be victims of an invasion or under the rule of agents who do not represent them and govern them by force.

In this regard, there are many examples in the past of upside-down flag-raising on fortresses or ships to send distress signals for mutiny, kidnapping or terrorism. By doing so, the aim is to prevent the forces coming to their aid from being ambushed if they do so hastily. 

In any case, when a flag is hoisted upside down, the message it conveys is not casual as it is always related to disaster or a request for help: a declaration of surrender to the enemy, a request for help or even, some authors identify it, with a certain type of protest.

I consider it necessary to insist that diplomatic services must take great care in the acts of protocol and the symbolism of the atmosphere that accompanies, sustains and encloses a summit, a bilateral meeting or the protocol of a lunch or dinner that accompanies such events.

Nothing can be left to chance or to the whim of simple employees, who generally have little knowledge of diplomatic customs and practices or those of the countries represented at the meetings or protocolary acts that take place. For this reason, the scenario must be previously reviewed by experts, and it is even admitted that the party attending or invited to the event, together with those in charge of the host country, review all the details, down to the smallest detail, so as not to give rise to misunderstandings or offences that could ruin the intended purpose of the event.  

It is not the first time that Morocco has sent clear or subliminal messages to Spain when inviting socialist leaders, whether or not they are presidents of the government. Zapatero got lumbered, which now, and not by chance, culminates in the recognition of Morocco's old plan for the future of the Sahara.

That map that Zapatero had in front of him without complaint not only spoke of this, but also included the Canary Islands, Ceuta and Melilla in Moroccan territory. No official protest was made about this, and some of the mud is beginning to appear. 

Sánchez, in a very personal way within Spain, strangely or spuriously; influenced or not by the US and part of the EU allies, has taken a serious decision, which on the very day he materialised with his visit to the King of Morocco, the Spanish courts with their full Parliament rejected him unequivocally; but despite this, he has gone ahead, without caring, as it usually happens with him, what others say. 
 
He is a person who is totally impervious to criticism, constructive or otherwise; who generally does not accept suggestions or advice from anyone; someone who is immersed in and convinced of a sublime belief in his personal rightness, whatever the issue in question.

After such a risky manoeuvre, we all expected him to return with an agreement between his hands, explaining his exploit, with the tacit commitment that the territorial and maritime integrity of the Canary Islands, Ceuta and Melilla would be respected by Morocco.

However, after so much showboating, fireworks and gunpowder smoke in a battle within his own government, he only brings us a commitment that the common borders will be gradually opened and that Moroccans will be allowed to cross the Strait of Gibraltar.  

Frankly, it is not very clear to me if so many heavy saddlebags were necessary for such a big trip, if he had to change his ideology and international programme so abruptly, squander Spain's role in this matter, suffer yet another serious embarrassment and return from this ignominious situation almost with his tail between his legs. 

I hope that one day, someone will explain what is really going on and what Morocco and the PSOE seem to be hiding, if there is anything worthwhile. But, if that comes and certain serious suspicions are proven, I am convinced that it will more than explain these acts of genuflection and almost vassalage by Spain when they govern, with a neighbour that, in addition to its many demands and mischief at the borders, is leading us to personal ruin by making us angry with Algeria. 

As if the economy and energy prices were not serious enough for Spaniards at this time; now, with this bravado, for nothing in return, get your wallets ready to pay for the gas hike that is coming down the drain. Gas, which, by the way, does not come from Russia or Putin, but from Algeria; a country that Sánchez and his personal decision have seriously offended and they are going to make us all pay for it, while here, Spaniards, as usual, chiton and swallow.