We share your point of view regarding the role of the International Brigades. In the future we intend increasingly to unite the International Brigades with the Spanish army, to create a large popular antifascist army. On several occasions we have condemned Fred’s [Kleber’s] self-advertising and several of his views regarding the Spanish military leaders. Fred’s policy is threatening the policy of the Popular Front, and we have therefore decided to remove Fred from the Madrid front and to send him to the Malaga front. We have taken this decision bearing in mind that, despite his shortcomings, Fred is a bold comrade with military capabilities. The Malaga front is in need of an energetic commander, and Fred could render service. Telegraph your agreement. 34

34 RGASPI, f. 495, op. 184, d. 13, incoming 1936 from Spain, special, sent 13 December 1936, received 14 December, deciphered 14 December, ms.; ibid., l. 64, sent 20 December 1936, received 23 December, deciphered 24 December; ibid., l. 58, coded dispatch of 19 December 1936, ms. The proposed decision was not carried out, and Kleber did not take part in the defense of Malaga.