Status Updates From The Spanish Civil War

'Hull said that America had no law against aid to Spain – only a policy of "moral aloofness".'

'Both [Germany and Italy], especially the former, gained the impression that the "Young General" was both able and likely to be influenced by them. They decided this without perhaps taking adequate account of the power wielded over Franco by his wife, a fervent Catholic who increasingly saw her husband as the leader chosen by God to save Spain from the enemies of the Church.'

'Such breaches of [France's] non-intervention were officially excused as caused by "errors of navigation".'

'Just as the 1850s were the great age of the Ambassador, so were the 1930s the great age of the foreign correspondent.'

'In 1937, the Fuehrer gave yet another explanation: Germany needed Spanish iron ore, and a Nationalist government would make this available to Germany, whereas a left-wing one would not.'

'The [French] Prime Minister was torn between his pacifism and his desire to help the Republic. Never has the dilemma of the intellectual in politics been more cruelly posed.'

'Among intellectuals of the [English] Left, Spain became immediately the central point of life, work and artistic inspiration.'

Was on p. 450 8 years ago, but couldn’t finish while in Spain. Starting 5 weeks before my next trip on xiii Preface. It’s going to be a race before trip. Enjoyed previously, but need to refresh memory.

'But to another journalist [Azaña] admitted more accurately, "Sol y sombra! Light and shade! That is Spain."'

'"Café gossip," answered Azaña. "I heard it in the Cortes," returned Fischer. "Ah, that's one big café," replied Azaña'

'Companys and his counsellors left prison to be hailed once again as leaders of their beloved city amid scenes of enthusiasm such as even Barcelona's leafy and flower-laden avenues had never seen.' What does this even mean? What does urban greenery have to do with celebration? Utterly bizarre stylistic choices in this book