To mark the 90th anniversary of the Civil War, José Ángel Mañas recreates on Zenda, day by day in this section, what happened in 1936, perhaps the most pivotal year in all modern Spanish history.
Monday, September 28, 1936: The San Fernando Meeting
Although some present, and mainly the General Cabanellas, intend to postpone the decision, I will tell you my view, which is also that of Yagüe, Millán Astray and Orgaz, and it is that it would be a barbarity to waste the moment for the reasons stated —said Kindelán. And now I take the liberty of reading you the four articles to be agreed upon, which are as follows. First: “All ground, sea, and air forces that cooperate or may cooperate in the future in favor of the Movement shall be subordinated to a single command, to be held by a division general or a vice-admiral.” Second: “The named person shall be called Generalísimo and shall hold the highest military rank, with the senior military and naval officers subordinate to him.” Third: “The Generalissimo’s rank shall include the function of Head of State while the war lasts, with all political, economic, social, cultural, etc., activities depending on him as such.” Fourth: “Any provisions that oppose this shall be repealed.” As you can see, these are simple terms. I do not understand your hesitations.
—I oppose the general principle, and apparently I am the only one —said Cabanellas—. The agreed arrangement has always been a collegiate direction of operations. That said, I am surprised that General Mola also opposes…
—Don’t misinterpret me, Cabanellas —replied Mola—. I only oppose the question of the Head of State. It seems premature to decide it. Aside from that, I have always defended the single command, and I recognize that Franco has more credit and is a better diplomat than any of the others. I would be willing to sign the other three points without problems. But the addition unsettles me.
—To you and to all —smiled Queipo de Llano—. Nevertheless, up to Cabanellas I get the impression that he has already accepted the policy of faits accomblis.
—Wait —said Kindelán—. I understand your resistance to handing over the political command to Paco. But you forget that he has secured the support of Germany and Italy. That gives us the essential air superiority needed to win the war. And since he is the least politically committed, he is the one who can be most neutral when a negotiated exit at the end of the war must be sought. Not to mention that, as Juanito Yagüe says, choosing someone else might upset the legionaries. Without the Tercio, we are nothing. Franco is the only one who can bring everyone together.
—We all know how Juanito is when he sets his mind to something —mocked Queipo de Llano—. If we leave him to it, he is ready to proclaim Franquito by force today itself.
—Queipo, don’t push things to the limit.
—I’m not pushing them anywhere. I speak plainly, that’s all. And there are things that must be said. Because perhaps Badajoz has been important, and also what Mola did in the north. But without an open path through Seville, friends, nothing would have been achieved, and that marvelous plan devised by Mola, so meticulously prepared, has ended, as we’ve all seen, like the rosary at dawn.
—Queipo, please. We know the value you’ve shown in Seville with so few resources. But this debate isn’t about that. And what you say about Juanito is impossible and absurd. No one here wants or can impose anything manu militari, when you are the one who controls Andalusia, and between Mola and Cabanellas the north. This is no trap. Here the aim is to have personal interests set aside in favor of patriotism. I, too, would have something to say on this matter. But I force myself to set aside my own interests and support Franquito, as I hope you all will, because plainly he is the best option at this moment — Kindelán concluded — We cannot leave this room without deciding this issue, so if you agree, I propose that we all eat first, and then make the final decision.
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