852.00/7683: Telegram
The Counselor of Embassy in Spain (Thurston) to the Secretary of State
[Received 1:29 p.m.]
931. My 906, March 17, 4 p.m.40 Unconfirmed but credible reports imply a serious conflict of opinion within the Government based upon the contention of some members that the time has arrived to capitulate while there is a possibility that terms can still be obtained and the opposition of others who prefer to continue the war. It is said that Prieto is in the first group and Negrín in the latter. It is also reported that the reorganization mentioned in my 929, April 3, 11 p.m. [a.m.], may take place today.
While superficially Barcelona is calm and order prevails there is much uneasiness. Both foreigners and Spaniards have expressed to me the fear that anarchistic elements may become active should further military reverses or other factors weaken governmental authority. These fears appear to be justified by editorial references in the anarcho-syndicalist press to the necessity for the “liquidation” of rebel sympathizers in the rear guard and the “elimination” of the fifth column.
- Not printed.↩