Chapter 84 Spanish Battle 3
On July 17, Spanish colonial troops stationed in Morocco and the Canary Islands launched a rebellion instigated by generals such as Franco and Emilio Mora. The rebellion quickly spread to large and medium-sized cities such as Cadiz, Sevia, Zaragoza, and Burgos. The majority of the Spanish Army and Air Force (about 120,000 people) and the Moroccan "Foreign Legion" took part in the rebellion.
Because he was caught off guard, Franco quickly occupied Spanish Morocco, the Canary Islands, the Balearic Islands, and the northern and southwestern provinces of mainland Spain. On July 30, he established a "National Defense Executive Committee" in Burgos in an attempt to attack from the north and the south. Madrid, and then seize power across the country.
After the Spanish government reacted, they asked the Soviet Union for help and called on all walks of life in Spain to take up arms to defend the Republic. In just two days, 300,000 people signed up to join the militia.
The international volunteers organized by the Soviet Union played a key role in saving Madrid.
Of course, the Soviet aid was not free. They sold weapons to the Spanish government through third-country trade and required full payment in gold. The biggest advantage of the Spanish government during the civil war was that they had the national gold reserves in their hands. At this time, Spain was the sixth largest gold reserve country in the world.
The war situation took a turn for the worse, and the fighting started by supporters of Franco and others in large and medium-sized cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Cartagena, Malaga, and Bilbao were quickly quelled.
With the support of the Soviet Union and France, government forces quickly "recovered" all industrial and political centers, major ports, transportation arteries, and important agricultural areas. At this moment, only Andalusia in the south and Galicia, Navarre, Old Castile and other economically backward provinces with little economic value were still in Franco's hands. Everyone could see that the situation was beginning to turn against Franco.
"These treacherous British guys!!" In the general headquarters, Franco cursed the treacherous British people bitterly. As mentioned before, it seems that if they work together, there will be a steady stream of reinforcements. The results of it? Fortunately for this guy, he was still watching as if nothing had happened. Even the British Parliament rejected the support bill for Spain.
His right-hand man, Arias, advised him from the side. "General, we can't count on the British's promise. Maybe we should find some more staunch supporters." As he said this, he quietly glanced at the person next to him.
A general spoke immediately. "Yes, General. Now the government troops have occupied the vast majority of the city. We have no foreign aid. If we continue to fight like this, we will run out of ammunition and food."
Another staff member also echoed. "General, the backing of the government army is the Soviet Union. If we fail, Spain will become the bridgehead of the Soviet Union. Many powerful countries in Europe are afraid of the expansion of red, and they will not be willing to see a red country appear at the western end of Europe."
"Why don't I know?" Franco sighed helplessly. "But I have already placed all my treasure on the UK and haven't had time to look for other countries. In such a desperate situation, if I come to ask for help, why should others ask for exorbitant prices?"
Arias couldn't help but raise his voice. "Your Majesty General, at least we still have the value to be bid, but if we fail, we will be a group of traitors and we will all be hanged."
"..." After a long silence, Franco nodded sharply. "You're right! As long as we win, any price is worth it! But which country should we look for? Italy? Germany?" Although France has chosen a "non-interference" policy, it is obviously biased towards the government forces. Britain has stood aside again. Today, there seems to be no other choice on the European continent except Italy and Germany.
"Italy?" Arias curled his lips with some disdain. "You also saw how Italy fought against Ethiopia last time. The combat effectiveness of the Italian army is really unflattering. Moreover, they have not completely overcome the economic crisis and cannot provide much help. I think Germany is good. They They have completely emerged from the economic crisis. Over the years, their armaments have increased significantly and their strength has recovered. They should have the confidence to participate in this war. After all, judging from their past strength, their combat effectiveness is still very strong." Although Germany was defeated in the last war, But their combat effectiveness is also recognized by the world.
One of the staff was worried. "I heard that the Germans have had very close trade relations with the Soviet Union recently. The Soviet Union even ordered several warships from Germany. Will they refuse assistance because of this relationship?"
"Always give it a try," Arias still insisted. "We can lease ports, sell minerals, and even allow German troops to station in our territory. As long as the conditions we offer are generous enough, the Germans will definitely be tempted!" At this point, he saw Franco's face look a little ugly. , advised. "General, as long as we win, we can get back what we lost sooner or later! But if we fail, then we have no chance at all!"
Seeing the other staff nodding, Franco no longer hesitated, pointed at two of the staff and gave instructions. "I appoint you as special envoys, one will go to Germany and the other will go to Italy. We must try our best to win their support! However, you cannot be at the mercy of others, and you cannot back down too much when bargaining! A price that is too cheap will only make people look down upon. Do we understand?!"
The two staff members nodded solemnly. "General, please rest assured! We will definitely do our best."
Before the two staff members had even stepped out of the headquarters, a staff officer hurried in with a telegram in his hand. "Reporting to the general, government troops are gathering in the Cordoba area. The number is unknown, but the known strength has exceeded 10,000."
"Ha!" Arias couldn't help but smile bitterly. "It seems that the Republican Army is planning to give us a fatal blow." He adjusted his military uniform and saluted Franco. "Your Majesty General, I personally went to Cordoba and started a street battle with the enemy there."
Now the government forces have tanks and aircraft supported by the Soviet Union. Street fighting can bring all war machines to the same platform. In street fighting, heavy weapons cannot be deployed, and bombers, tanks, and heavy artillery cannot be used. The fighting style of street fighting has always been a war between people, guns and guns.
"Arias!" Franco patted him hard on the shoulder. "Whether we can achieve the final victory depends on you."