Relations between the US and Spain's Socialist government hit a new low this week when President George W. Bush invited José María Aznar, Spain's former prime minister, to the White House for a private, 40-minute chat.

In a pointed snub to José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, who succeeded Mr Aznar and who incurred the wrath of the US by withdrawing Spanish troops from Iraq, President Bush has not yet returned Mr Zapatero's courtesy call last week to congratulate him on his re-election victory.