Post by Diarist on May 8, 2018 15:44:01 GMT 1
We landed at Zaragoza airfield shortly before 8 pm and is was already dark. I telephoned General Alfonso Rodriguez and he was naturally surprised to hear that Wilhelm and I were in Spain. I explained the situation and he arranged that my aircrew received accommodation. He also insisted that we stay at his house and a car was on its way to transport us there. He has a large splendid house north of Zaragoza and because all their children have left home there is plenty of space for guests. His wife Manuela prepared an evening snack for us then we sat in the lounge with a couple of bottles of excellent Rioja.
"So what brings you both here? I'm curious," Alfonso opened.
Wilhelm replied that our governments want first-hand knowledge about the situation in Spain and since we were both in the vicinity we were ordered here.
"In particular Britain wants to know if the election victory was legitimate." I decided not waste any time. "Britain desires that Spain join our European alliance but it would be problematic if the election was fraudulent."
"I can't answer that question, Sir Robert."
"I understand that's why our immediate question is whether it is safe to fly to Madrid. We can hopefully find answers about the election there. We have heard about the demonstrations and riots there."
"The airport is outside of the city and is safe. In fact I have already talked to General Franco's staff and they are expecting you both tomorrow. They welcome your unexpected visit. What can you tell me about Juan at your TRADOC HQ?"
"Nothing I'm afraid. I don't even know in which section he'll be working. There have been considerable changes there in recent months and a few more nations are joining, not just Spain. It will be very instructive though because they are working on many projects."
We also talked about Germany and I added my few words about Palestine and Italy. It was almost midnight when we retired. Tomorrow Madrid.
"So what brings you both here? I'm curious," Alfonso opened.
Wilhelm replied that our governments want first-hand knowledge about the situation in Spain and since we were both in the vicinity we were ordered here.
"In particular Britain wants to know if the election victory was legitimate." I decided not waste any time. "Britain desires that Spain join our European alliance but it would be problematic if the election was fraudulent."
"I can't answer that question, Sir Robert."
"I understand that's why our immediate question is whether it is safe to fly to Madrid. We can hopefully find answers about the election there. We have heard about the demonstrations and riots there."
"The airport is outside of the city and is safe. In fact I have already talked to General Franco's staff and they are expecting you both tomorrow. They welcome your unexpected visit. What can you tell me about Juan at your TRADOC HQ?"
"Nothing I'm afraid. I don't even know in which section he'll be working. There have been considerable changes there in recent months and a few more nations are joining, not just Spain. It will be very instructive though because they are working on many projects."
We also talked about Germany and I added my few words about Palestine and Italy. It was almost midnight when we retired. Tomorrow Madrid.