852.00/3993: Telegram
The Ambassador in Germany (Dodd) to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received December 4—2:52 p.m.]
359. The British Embassy here states confidentially that it has received a report from the British Consul at Seville that about 5,000 Germans passed through that city a few days ago on their way to join the Spanish Nationalist forces and that although they did not wear uniforms they were equipped with rifles and some artillery pieces. It is understood that prior to this or about the 20th last month a German anti-aircraft detachment consisting of some 700 men with equipment was landed in Cadiz. Most of the Germans despatched to Spain appear to have some connection with the German Army either as reserves or as regular soldiers who while technically on a leave status have “volunteered” for service abroad. They have apparently sailed from Stettin and it is said that a liner from the east Prussia service is being used as troop transport. It is believed that the actual [Page 587] recruiting and organization is being undertaken possibly by a party political body rather than by the Army authorities themselves who however are being “accommodating” in furnishing facilities.
German official news sources do not deny that German nationals are fighting in Spain but maintain that none has been sent or are present there as regular German Army units. The same line was taken by the DDPK24 yesterday which, recalling that last August Germany suggested an embargo being put upon foreign volunteers, complains against the hypocrisy of the same circles which defeated the German proposal in now being indignant “if Germans including such persons whose existence was destroyed when they withdrew from red Spain should voluntarily fall into line in the dam against the international red flood”. The commentary stresses that the participation of volunteers does not infringe the non-interference agreement and official circles declare that Germany has no intention of leaving the Noninterference Committee.
While it is recognized that a considerable proportion of the Germans fighting in Spain may consist of former residents there the despatch nevertheless of trained soldiers is causing concern in diplomatic circles here where it is thought that Germany is evidently as determined as Italy that Franco shall not fail and is probably choosing to lend assistance in the land fighting in order to avoid possible naval complications with Great Britain. Hitler’s policy respecting the Spanish situation is causing apprehension in official German quarters including the Army and in all except possibly the most radical Nazi groups. Even here, however, we understand that the length of the siege of Madrid may have a salutary effect in discouraging the belief that a war can be won in a single swift blow without prolonged fighting.
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- Deutsche Diplomatisch-Politische Korrespondenz (organ of the German Foreign Office).↩