852.00/7569: Telegram
The Consul at Seville (Bay) to the Secretary of State
[Received March 22—10:15 a.m.]
15. In a conversation with General Queipo de Llano yesterday he said that a general offensive would be launched within a fortnight. He avoided answering whether this offensive would be directed against Barcelona or constitute a drive to the Mediterranean in lower Aragon or both. He stated emphatically that this offensive would begin the final phase of the civil war in Spain. He added however that no attempt would be made to take Madrid as its fall would entail feeding one million persons which is not desired at this time.
He also stated that a considerable number of Americans had been captured recently near Teruel apparently members of the Abraham Lincoln Battalion. These he said would be required to build up Spain after the war.
By mail to the Ambassador.