Spain : draft report / article

              SPAIN.
Around the conflict now raging in Spain, Europe divides itself into two definite camps. On the one side there are the democracies assisting with all the strength at their disposal; on the other side there are the Fascist countries coming to the help of Franco and his rebels.
What is the origin of the [immediate objective] revolt? Up to recent years Spain was undoubtedly one of the last countries of Europe dominated by the most reactionary clericalism which was based on the ignorance of the people. In certain provinces there were no less than 61% illiterates, who were under the domination of the priests and jesuits.
In Estramadura [ Extremadura ] for example, the peasants lived under a regime of servitude. Immense territories were left uncultivated in consequence of the indolence of the great landowning proprietors who were leading parasitic lives.
The country which in certain parts is rich in minerals was exploited by a band of financiers, many of whom were strangers.
The two most powerful companies today were those which own the lead mines at Pennaroya, and other copper mines at Rio Tinto which are in the hands of French, British and Spanish financiers.