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 efficient when one considers 
the difficulties 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.

Joe

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