852.00/4020: Telegram
The Ambassador in Spain (Bowers), Then in France, to the Acting Secretary of State
[Received December 8—10 a.m.]
178. John Whittaker, Herald Tribune war correspondent, and Miss Davis of Chicago News both with rebel forces since beginning, drove here from Burgos yesterday and called on me last night. They report that Vitoria is threatened seriously by strong well-equipped Government forces from Bilbao now within striking distance of city and that Franco, alarmed, has weakened his army before Madrid by sending Moorish reinforcements. The Loyalists clearly have retaken the towns between Bilbao and the present position.
They report that Salamanca resembles a German military camp, German officers predominating. From a German officer on Madrid [Page 594] front Whittaker heard not for publication there is much irritation among German and Italian officers because Franco objects to the destruction of Madrid from the air.