2.2.2.2 Madrid, Feb - Mar 1939

• After Barcelona fell, Republican resistance collapsed, and President Azana resigned. When Britain and France recognised Franco as the legitimate head of the Spanish government, Negrin's hopes of prolonging the war looked futile
• In March 1939, politicians and military leaders opposed to Negrin's strategy rebelled in Madrid, forming the anti-communist National Defence Council, which attempted to negotiate a conditional surrender with Franco