852.00/3598: Telegram
The Third Secretary of Embassy in Spain (Wendelin) to the Secretary of State
[Received 5:05 p.m.]
X–261. Despite steady advance of the rebel forces against Madrid increased confidence is noted in Government circles during last 24 hours and new note of optimism is sensed in press and public. Whether justified or not this renewed optimism seems due to the receipt of re-enforcements, supplies and war material, expectation of material assistance from Russia and belief that rebels have not sufficient forces to capture Madrid. Order of the day issued yesterday by Largo Caballero declares that “the hour for the decisive effort has arrived” and calls upon citizens of Madrid and armed forces to attack the enemy. Assurance is given “the Government possesses all the means necessary to gain the victory”. It is ordered that all prisoners taken are to be respected.
In long conversation with Minister of State last evening he told me he was more confident now for long time past that rebel attack on Madrid would be defeated, expressing the opinion that within a few days the situation would change in favor of the Government. He justified his optimism on ground that rebels do not have sufficient manpower to take city, that Government is receiving constant reenforcements, that the equipment, organization and morale of the troops is improving and that the Government now has firmer control of political situation. On latter point he said that Prime Minister had conference night before last with leaders of powerful Anarcho in the Syndicalist’s National Confederation of Labor (CNT) in which case [Page 544] he called for showdown and received every assurance of support including possible participation in Government. As Commissar General of War, Señor Alvarez del Vayo has been occupied intensively during past week in setting up propaganda and information service in Ministry of War but tells me he will now be able to spend most of his time at Ministry of State.
As reported in daily military reports foodstuffs and supplies are apparently being received in quantity from Russia and reports from reliable sources indicate that Russian planes and other war material including tanks have been received. Air raid by Government planes on rebels’ bases at Talavera, Seville, and other points is first offensive activity of this kind for some time and may indicate use of new material.
Above information is transmitted without drawing any conclusions and with every reservation as nothing to date indicates that rebel advance against Madrid has been stopped or that tide is about to turn. Nevertheless evident improvement in Government morale and means of combat make assumption that fall of capital is still premature.