852.00/9138: Telegram
The Ambassador in Spain (Bowers), Then in France, to the Secretary of State
[Received 7:19 p.m.]
618. Following brought by Matthews to Saint Jean de Luz.
“7, April 14, 11 a.m. My trip to Burgos was interesting. That overcrowded little capital resembles nothing so much as a general [Page 774] staff headquarters. Uniforms predominate. The overwhelming majority of course are Spanish but German and Italian military and civil advisers are everywhere, and the deference shown them at the Foreign Office, for instance, was quite apparent.
The period of transition from war to peace, difficult as it would be in any country, is probably more so in Spain than in most. There is much resultant confusion and red tape and administrative delays are long and unavoidable. There is as yet no clearly defined line of policy nor even significant sign posts as far as I could observe. This applies equally to economic, financial, social, and political problems, and is in part a natural result of the differing views of the component parts of Nationalist Spain. Demobilization of four or five classes is expected to start soon. I learned confidentially that orders to that effect had been suddenly withdrawn a few days ago pending clarification of the European situation and also until after the May 2 review. Troops axe, however, being returned to their home garrisons and I have been told that several contingents of Moors have already left Spain.
While some arrests are still being made I believe they are on a small scale and the release of minor prisoners continues. American and British correspondents with whom I have talked, several of whom have ‘Left’ sympathies and who had just come to Burgos from Madrid, told me that they have definite knowledge of only three executions in that area since the fall of Madrid and estimate the total of not More than 20 to date. The food situation in Madrid is better and improving every day and I am told that the city is now being cleaned up.
There are persistent rumors of pending important Cabinet changes whereunder Serrano Suner would occupy an even more important role in the government as Premier than he does today and possibly also take over the Foreign Office. The new Cabinet it is rumored will likewise include two more generals and the name of Yague is mentioned. No decision has apparently been reached with respect to the restoration of the monarchy. The inevitable friction between the Phalangists with their advanced program which seems to be a combination of social reform and totalitarian methods of control and the conservative religious Requetes and similar elements is gradually coming to the surface. General Franco is still idolized and his photograph is seen in every window. Nevertheless some doubts seem to exist even among his ardent admirers as to his capacity to administrate the country in peace time.[”]
Copy to Paris.