Indalecio Prieto - Bruno Alonso: epistolario (1937-1938)

Abstract

This contribution aims to delve deeper into the commissariat's role in the Spanish Republican Navy. For this purpose, we have relied on unpublished documentation of great importance: the correspondence between Indalecio Prieto and Bruno Alonso, Minister and General Commissar of the Fleet stationed at Cartagena in the naval base, between 1937 and 1938.  The latter brings to light - coupled with the different personality of the interlocutors- the problems faced by the navy during the Spanish Civil War: the channelling of the revolutionary situation supported by the Committees; the creation of the Commissariat, the imposition of depoliticization; the costs of Soviet aid and the restoration of officer leadership, with consequences on the performance of the Fleet and, ultimately, determining the defeat of the Republic.