To commemorate the 90th anniversary of the Civil War, José Ángel Mañas recreates in Zenda, day by day in this section, what happened in 1936, perhaps the most pivotal year in all recent Spanish history.
Thursday, October 8, 1936: The New Palace
Is the gold so much, comrade Koltsov?
—The cargo is such that if we laid it out along and across the Red Square of Moscow it would cover its seventy thousand square meters completely —said Mijaíl Koltsov, Stalin’s trusted man in Madrid.
Koltsov and Rosenberg were stationed in the bar of the luxurious Palace hotel. Only a few months earlier, thanks to its proximity to the San Jerónimo racecourse, this had been the base for parliamentary reporters and the gauge of congressional activity. There had always been movement around what happened in the Cortes. But the elegant crowd had been replaced by militiamen, and the building today served as a blood hospital, with wounded fighters laid out on field beds in the hall.
Nevertheless, the bar continued to host the rear-guard politicians who needed to meet with journalists. There, the ambassadors of Italy, Portugal and Germany roamed freely, before moving to Lisbon. In the early days of the month, diplomatic activity was almost entirely monopolized by Rosenberg. The ambassador had moved the services of his embassy to the Palace, and that attracted communist leaders such as José Díaz and La Pasionaria.
Today the person lounging at the bar, with the day’s first gin and tonic in hand, was Koltsov. By his side, grave and in a light suit, stood Rosenberg. There weren’t many others in the bar at those early hours.
—It’s agreed that the cargo will leave on the twenty-fifth from Cartagena. Negrín is agreeable, ambassador. The next step is to convince Largo Caballero, who resists. But he knows there’s no option. I think we can inform our dear comrade Iósif that that part of the operation is succeeding.
—And France won’t oppose it? —frowned Rosenberg.
—I haven’t received an invitation yet, but if one arrives, I will attend. I’m interested to know what is being discussed. I want to learn exactly who the refugees hiding in their embassies are.
—Another good piece of news is that, bowing to our pleas, comrade Líster has been authorized to form the first Mixed Brigades. Largo Caballero has decreed the integration of the militias into them. It is being announced today. These Mixed Brigades will incorporate three battalions of the Fifth Regiment… It seems that at last we are beginning to have a People’s Army as it ought to be —concluded Koltsov. And he drained his gin.
All the entries of 1936 day by day
Interview with José Ángel Mañas about 1936 Day by Day