852.00/3019: Telegram
The Ambassador in Spain (Bowers), Then in France, to the Secretary of State
[Received September 5—10:45 a.m.]
94. While Wendelin silent, French press reports Cabinet change with representation of all parties of Frente Popular. Largo Caballero, [Page 525] Premier, and Prieto, Minister of Marine and Air. Alvarez del Vayo, Minister of State, left wing Socialist known personally to me. He is brilliant and has manners of a gentleman and was greatly liked by Daniels when Ambassador to Mexico. Caballero has War; a Socialist has Interior. Negrin, Minister of Finance, Socialist Secretary of the University and a man of broad culture. Communists represented in Ministries Public Instruction and Agriculture. Six Socialists representing both wings, two Republicans, two Communists, one Basque Nationalist, one Catalan and Giral previous Premier remains as Minister without portfolio. Early future will disclose significance of the arrangement and whether Prieto and other moderates can influence Caballero. Latter in last speech reported declared Spain naturally antipathetic toward Communism and that he is fighting for “political and industrial democracy”. This indicated his movement rightward from previous position but the test of his sincerity will soon come.