In September 1936, Franco was chosen and appointed "generalísimo" and head of state by the National Defense Board ("Junta de Defensa Nacional"). Accordingly, Carmen Polo became known as the first lady of Spain. She was generally referred to simply as "La Señora", and glamorous persona became part of Franco's image. It is rumoured that Jose Antonio de Sangróniz, Franco's chief diplomat, was forced to cancel a reception before the "Junta de Burgos" ("Military Junta of Burgos", named after the town where it was formed) because she did not have suitable clothes for the occasion.