The Spanish Republic's only true support came from Josef Stalin and the Russian Communists. The International Brigades that supported the Republic were made up of people around the world, and included two battalions, the Washingtons & the Lincolns, from the US. By-and-large, the members of the brigades were either Communists (including the US participants) or Anarchists. On the other hand, Franco was supported by the might of Nazi Germany, and Fascist Italy.

Stalin raped the Republic, by insisting that the Spanish gold reserve be transferred to Moscow, and in turn - he would send weapons & planes. He also sent a few pilots to man the antiquated pieces of crap they were giving to the Republic.

The US "insisted" that Great Britain & France remain neutral. There were a couple of reasons. One not withstanding was the fact that the US considered the Communist threat worse than that of the Nazis. It was hoped, quietly, that the Nazis would attack Russia and destroy the Communist government. There was another problem the US faced. It was rebellion within. Retired Marine Corps General Smedley Butler was basically asked to overthrow the US government just a few years earlier. The issue was supported by bankers, industrialists, and notables such as Charles Lindbergh. A new "caretaker" government would be formed. It would be based on the principles of Fascism. Here's one link, but there's a multitude of sources of info related to this in most well kept libraries in the US. http://www.chrononhotonthologos.com/lawnotes/smedley.htm

In 1998, Spain welcomed the members of the International Brigades back to Spain, treated them with the greatest respect, and even offered citizenship to those who fought. It was a touching moment for everyone. The people of Spain, and the many villages where these men had trained, and died, opened their doors to them, and made them feel like they were part of Spain, and always would be.

A surprising side note, that the vast majority of the US participants were Jewish. Ironic considering they had been expelled from Spain centuries earlier.

There are literally dozens of books out there, written by Brigidistas. The majority are worth reading. I have several in my library, and have made a point to read as many more as I could from the libraries.

As for Hemingway, he was in Spain as a journalist, not as a soldier/fighter. In fact, he'd cruise around in a touring car, and view battles from a distance. His stay in Madrid was less than admirable. While Franco's army lay siege to the city, and people were starving, Hemingway lived like a king, the finest food and booze delivered to him. His "parties" were the envy of the entire press corps, and an invitation to one of his nightly sessions where he'd hold court meant a full belly, and a toasty warm feeling because he had the corner on the booze available. Some journalists claimed that Hemingway's dispatches should have been their own. Much of what he reported on, and gleaned for his manuscript, For Whom The Bell Tolls, came from other journalists, who'd seen first hand the real carnage of what was happening.

Wolf