WASHINGTON--The problem of American recognition of the Spanish Insurgent government and the possibility of Congressional approval of an administration-opposed measure to give the people sole power to declare war were thrust into the forefront of foreign policy and national defense today.

Two developments gave prominence to the Spanish question. First, a conference between Claude G. Bowers, U. S. Ambassador to Loyalist Spain, and Undersecretary of State Summer Welles, and secondly, doubtful but persistent reports that Franco's regime considers asking the return of Puerto Rice, former Spanish possession now held by the United States.