Jim Ford who stayed a few days before leaving the country. Jim spoke over the broadcasting system in Madrid while here——a broadcast designed to reach both England and the U.S. Those who heard it say it was excellent. Bob is stay- ing, is overjoyed to be here, and the boys up front were de- lighted to see him.

A lot of wisecracks are made (including by myself) about the Spanish national watchword “manana,” but in spite of it all, things are remarkably eflicient when one considers the difliculties of a civil war situation, the countless lan— guages involved, etc., etc. There is no. question, among other things, that the people’s army of Spain is rounding into a first-rate war machine. Was very interested to learn that new Spanish artillery units are displaying real prowess, such as is not ordinarily expected from an economically back- ward country.

At the foot of the main drag here is a merry-go-round. How strange it is to hear the mechanical hurdy-gurdy of the merry-go-round grinding out the Internationale, Avanti Popolo, the Y.C.L. song, the Spanish national anthem which has a lilting swing and melody, etc. Last night we went to see a Soviet movie, “Love and Hate,” with Russian dialogue and Spanish sub-titles. Walking home afterwards in the pitch black of night, with anti-aircraft searchlights roving the heavens, it was almost weird to hear the loudspeaker in the square in front of the International Club emitting an American crooner singing a sentimental love song. But anyway I was wishing you were here. It costs 1.35 pesetas to go to the movies here. Much love.

Jon:

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