After this secret meeting ended, the Soviets and the forces they supported began withdrawing from Spain in an orderly manner. Because of the war and blockade, leaving Spain was no easy matter.
Based on the situation, the Labor Party armed forces in Spain would choose to travel separately to either France or Portugal, Spain's two neighboring countries, before returning home.
The Soviet withdrawal essentially meant that the Spanish Civil War had entered its final countdown. Another major European power had thrown itself into the embrace of the extreme nationalist camp.
In the Spanish city of Salamanca, where Franco's headquarters was now located,
Salamanca had a population of roughly fifty thousand. During the civil war, large numbers of Nationalist Army military and political personnel, diplomats, journalists, and their families had flooded in. At the same time, as a rear-area city, it had also taken in many refugees fleeing Republican-controlled territory and civilians who supported the nationalists.
Compared to Madrid, Salamanca was remarkably harmonious and stable. If not for the massive influx of military and government personnel, this small Spanish city showed scarcely a trace of war.
At this moment, Franco was enjoying afternoon tea with his confidant, Luis Carrero Blanco.
"Your Excellency, Head of State, the Red Government can barely hold on now. According to information provided by the Germans, the Soviets are withdrawing their personnel from Spain. Recovering Madrid is now just around the corner."
Franco sipped his coffee leisurely. "In fact, ever since last September, Madrid had completely lost any possibility of turning the tables."
"Now that the Soviets are withdrawing, it will only accelerate our recovery of every part of Spain."
Blanco said, "Your Excellency, Head of State, the outcome of the war has already been decided. Without Soviet support, recovering Madrid is only a matter of time.