852.00/2574: Telegram
The Consul at Seville (Bay) to the Secretary of State
[Received August 13—1:40 p.m.]
6. Merida was taken by military forces yesterday afternoon thus effecting junction with General Mola’s forces which hold Caceres. Fall of Merida also opens two principal highways to Madrid from the south.
Following war material arrived in Seville August 9:10 new Savoia tri-motor bombing aeroplanes with about 20 Italian pilots, 18 Junker [Page 482] tri-motor bombers mostly new with about 30 German pilots, 2 additional units of similar kind to arrive later, 6 German pursuit planes capable of 450 kilometers and 6 German anti-aircraft guns of latest model with effective range of 700 meters. Ships are being tuned up and Spanish aviators are being instructed in their operation. First objectives are said to be: elimination Madrid aircraft which are preventing army of General Mola from deploying into plains before Madrid, destruction of Madrid airfield and Spanish warships in Straits of Gibraltar.