Mcallen Daily Press

Germany And Italy Work Towards Consolidating Their Position In Spain, Reports News Writer

BY KENNETH T. DOWS International News Service Staff Correspondent

PARIS, Aug 19-(INS)-Germany and Italy are steadily consolidating their position in Spain today, despite the continued gravity of the country's economic condition and the general growth of unrest inside.

The abrupt sacking by General Franco of General Queipo de Llano, Seville's famed "radio general" and one of the most spectacular heroes of the war, provided the most astonishing eye-opener possible of the way things are going in Spain.

Outspoken General Queipo de Llano, who towers over all other Spanish generals, stands about six feet, four inches, without his military boots, captured Seville at the outbreak of the war in one of the most daring single-handed adventures in military history.

Seville Red Stronghold

Seville was one of the reddest cities in Spain. When the revolt broke out, mobs ranged the streets-the army had begun to declare for the Republic.

But old Queipo stalked into a barracks and by his incredible steel nerve and magnificent personality, commanded the troops to follow him. He ordered small groups to cruise the city in military trucks flying Franco's colors and firing in the air.

With a handful of men he then captured the radio station. Then with the fate of the city hanging in the balance, he made his great play, the master bluff of the war.

He broadcast to the great bulk of the army, which was still hesitating, and to the populace, their "Last chance to save themselves."

He reported that the first truckloads of troops from a great Nationalist Army were beginning to arrive in the city.

Bluff Succeeds

The bluff worked. Seville was in his hands. He captured the city and, in consequence, that important region of Spain, virtually single-handed.

Needless to say, he became one of the outstanding heroes of the war. His feat is legendary. He increased his popularity throughout the war with his famous nightly broadcasts over Radio Seville. Because of the colorfulness of his language he had had audiences all over Europe.

But Queipo's anti-Axis, pro-monarchist views-he believes in Spain for the Spaniard and in Spanish neutrality in Europe-he expressed with his customary candor.

Then without warning General Franco, broke him. By breaking one of Queipo's divisions the Generalissimo served notice of the strength of the growing Italian and German hold on Spanish policy.

A London Express report from Hendaye states that the German training school for officers is still operating at capacity in Valladolid and that an Italian general two colonels and twelve captains still command the great Italian air base at Saragossa.