章 83: Spanish civil war
On the evening of July 19, 1934, in Berlin, within the imposing residence of the head of state, a crucial meeting was taking place. Gaskol, the chief of the German intelligence service, was reporting to his superior, Akado. Gaskol, who had numerous clandestine intelligence networks spread across Germany, stood by Akado's desk, an expression of reverence on his face as he addressed the head of state.
"My head of state," Gaskol began, "as per your foresight, we intensified our surveillance in Spain. It has now been confirmed that just yesterday, the troops in West Morocco have mutinied."
Akado nodded in response, his face betraying no emotion. "Well, since that's the case, everything will proceed as planned. Organize our interest chain in Spain, and then we can set a price with our Spanish friends."
The political landscape in Spain was becoming increasingly volatile. The economic crisis that had erupted and persisted had left the country in turmoil. The People's control over most of the region was solidifying, pushing Spain ever closer to becoming a second Soviet state. On July 18, 1934, a clash between the Spanish army stationed in Monaco and the local populace had escalated rapidly, fueled by the British government's maneuvers. This confrontation led to a series of severe repercussions throughout the Spanish colonies.
The beleaguered garrison in Monaco, feeling alienated by the Spanish mainland and the Republican government, conspired with local businessmen. They executed a number of pro-Republican officials and soldiers, declaring their opposition to the Republican government. Under the leadership of General Francisco Franco and Mora, the colonial forces in Monaco and the Canary Islands initiated a rebellion. This insurrection swiftly spread to major cities like Cádiz, Seville, Zaragoza, and Burgos. The Army, Air Force, and a "foreign legion" of Moroccans, collectively numbering over 120,000, joined the uprising. This force was significantly stronger than the Republican Army.
Under Franco and Mora's command, the rebels initially made significant gains. They quickly seized control of Western Morocco, the Canary Islands, the Balearic Islands, and several northern and southwestern provinces on Spain's mainland. By July 30, a Defence Council had been established in Burgos, aiming to capture Madrid from the north and south and seize national power.
However, the initial success was short-lived. Opposition from the British Parliament and the grim domestic economic situation led to the withdrawal of planned support for General Franco. Without external assistance, Franco's forces' advance began to stall, providing the Republican government with a much-needed respite. In response, the Republican government adopted a strategy of trading land for time.
Following the outbreak of the Civil War, citizens from all walks of life heeded the Popular Front's call to arms, forming a militia known as the People's Guard. Within two days, around 300,000 individuals had enrolled. The lack of support that Franco had promised his followers led to his forces' rapid decline in major cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Cartagena, Malaga, and Bilbao.
At this stage, Franco's forces controlled only Andalusia in the south and regions like Galicia, Navarre, and Old Castile in the north. The Republican Army held sway over all industrial and political centers, major ports, main transportation routes, and crucial agricultural zones.
In the Franco headquarters in Seville, Franco and his closest advisors were devising their next steps. Mora had been dispatched to the Cordoba front to oversee defensive operations. "The war cannot continue like this!" Franco declared, his eyes scanning the combat map spread out on the table. "Although we have established strong positions in Cadiz and Huelva, the Republican troops still control the vast majority."
"General Franco! The British government's promise of support has not materialized, and they continue to observe from afar. If we persist in this manner, we will soon run out of supplies," a general cautioned from behind Franco.
"The Republican Army has the backing of the French and Soviet governments and is better prepared for a war of attrition than we are," another officer added.
"We cannot rely on the British to keep their word! Perhaps it's time to seek stronger allies," suggested a staff member in a suit, rising to address Franco. "There are many powerful nations in Europe who fear the spread of communism. They do not wish to see a communist state at the western end of Europe."
"Of course, I'm aware," Franco sighed. "But by relying solely on the British government's promise, I didn't reach out to other countries. Now, seeking their help might force us to concede significant national interests."
"But, my General! If we don't approach these countries now, we truly risk losing the war! Once the Republican army defeats us, we'll be no different from the traitors who betrayed our national interests," the staff member argued.
"That's correct! We cannot sit idly by! We can offer to lease ports, sell minerals, even allow foreign troops on our soil, but we cannot afford to lose!" exclaimed the general emphatically. "Victory will allow us to reclaim what we've lost, but defeat leaves us with no such opportunity."
Franco nodded, his expression resolute. "Since everyone agrees that we should seek further support, let's carefully plan which country to approach for help."
The room fell silent for a few moments. After some deliberation, the same staff member tentatively suggested, "Perhaps we could send someone to Italy to explore possibilities?"
"Italy is not a good option," Franco dismissed quickly. "Like the United Kingdom, they are still grappling with the economic crisis. If they fail us as the British did, we stand to lose everything."
"Then we should turn to Germany! Unlike others, the Germans have not only recovered from the economic downturn but have also expanded by annexing Austria and Czechoslovakia," the staff member proposed.
"The Germans, buoyed by their recent successes, are focusing eastward, positioning themselves as the anti-communist vanguard in the West. Would they really be interested in Spain?" Franco pondered aloud, his tone skeptical.
"It's worth a try," the general behind Franco insisted. "If we offer them sufficient incentives, they might be persuaded."
"Let's do it," Franco decided. "If I were in their shoes, I wouldn't pass up substantial benefits for an illusory foe. The German leader, Akado Rudolf, is no fool. Quite the contrary, he's adept at strategic decision-making and won't err at such a critical juncture."
With that, Franco turned to his staff, placing a hand on his shoulder and speaking with gravity, "There are few people I trust as much as I trust you. Go to Germany yourself, and remember, strive for the best possible support, but don't concede too much. Offering too low a price will only make the Germans disrespect us. Understand?"
"Report!" A soldier burst into the room, saluting sharply. "General, according to intelligence from our scouts, Republican troops are amassing in the Cordoba area, approximately 10,000 strong."
"It seems the Republican Army is not giving us a chance to correct our mistakes," Franco said with a bitter smile, then approached the map to examine it closely. After a few seconds, he nodded and issued an order to the soldier, "Send a telegram to General Mora! Command him to fortify Cordoba's defenses and prepare for urban warfare."
Then, turning back to his staff, Franco added, "The situation is critical, and much depends on your success in securing German support."
The staff member nodded resolutely. "Rest assured, my General. I will do everything in my power to secure Germany's aid."
"From this moment, you are my personal envoy. Go and prepare for your journey. I'll arrange for you to travel to Cadiz tonight, where you'll board a ship to Italy, and from there, travel by train to Germany."
That night, the Spanish special envoy arrived at the port of Cadiz in southwestern Spain. He boarded a ship bound for Italy, where he would then take a train through Austria to reach Germany. After a grueling seven-day journey, he finally arrived in the German capital, Berlin.
Upon his arrival, he was escorted to a security office by two SS officers, where he was thoroughly searched. Another SS officer informed the head of the security office about the envoy's arrival.
"It seems your prediction was accurate," Gere, a high-ranking SS officer, remarked with a smile, referring to the envoy's difficult journey. "It wasn't easy for him to come here, especially since, according to our intelligence network, Franco's army lost Cordoba just yesterday."
Akado chuckled in response. "Let him in. This time, they're practically delivering benefits right to our doorstep. It would be remiss not to take advantage of it."
"Oh," Anna, another officer, laughed, covering her mouth. "Master, you do have a way with words."
Ten minutes later, the Spanish special envoy was ushered into the opulent palace of the German head of state. He quickly stated his case, his eyes eagerly fixed on Akado, the powerful figure before him.
"The great German head of state, I implore you to help Spain escape the dreadful rule of communism. I believe the Spanish people will be eternally grateful for your generosity and support," the envoy pleaded earnestly.
"Everyone who knows me is aware that I'm quite frugal," Akado replied with a smile, rising from his seat to shake hands with the envoy. "I seldom buy new clothes and donate most of my modest salary to the nation's development."
"Head of state... Mr.," the Spanish envoy stammered, unsure of the proper honorific to use. Deciding on a respectful yet neutral term, he continued, "I admire your selflessness and greatness, but we must focus on the Spanish Civil War. My compatriots are suffering greatly."
Akado nodded understandingly, gesturing for the envoy to sit. "As you wish," he said, settling back into his chair to discuss the matter further.
The meeting marked a critical point in the unfolding events, with potential alliances and strategies hanging in the balance. The future of Spain, influenced by the decisions made in that room, was yet to be determined.
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