852.2221/493
The Vice Consul at Valencia (Wells) to the Secretary of State
[Received July 27.]
Sir: I have the honor to refer to my despatch No. 70 of July 6, 193781 in which was mentioned the formation of a new battalion of American volunteers in the Spanish Government forces known as the “Thomas J. Mooney” battalion, and to report that before this unit left Albacete for the Madrid front, where it is now engaged in the Government offensive in the Brunete section, its name was changed by vote of its members to “Washington”. According to the stories of two American volunteers—one a deserter—the “Washington” battalion numbered between 450 and 500 Americans when it was organized.
These same persons indicated that a considerable number of American citizens—perhaps half its strength—are enrolled in the Canadian “Mackenzie” battalion, and that a third American battalion to be known as the “Commonwealth” is now being formed. There is also a small anti-tank unit composed of about 20 Americans known as the “John Brown” company. Both of these battalions are said to be in training at Albacete. This latter report has not yet been confirmed from other sources, but if taken at its face value it would indicate the steady arrival of American volunteers, and would place the total of those who have arrived since the outbreak of the civil war close to 2000. Many of these are engaged in transport units, and it is believed that the number of Americans who have gone into front line action total about 1100. The casualties are reported to have been heavy, as well as the desertions. For instance, one deserter reported today that when the “Lincoln” battalion—original complement, 600—began the present drive on the Madrid front it had a combative strength of 152 Americans, about half of whom have been killed or wounded during the last 10 days. It is said that the “Washington” battalion also lost heavily. Both units were in the spearhead of the Government offensive west of Madrid.
Respectfully yours,
- Not printed.↩