Diego Martín Veloz (1875-1938)

The story of a coup-instigator

Abstract

The paper recounts the life of Diego Martín Veloz, starting with his exploits in Cuba where, contrary to widespread belief, he accomplished some military feats and a number of misdeeds. It then deals with his activity in Salamanca during the Second Republic, against which he conspired tirelessly. He took an active part in the so-called «alzamiento nacional» (national uprising) in 1936 and was one of the leaders of the ensuing mobilization and brutal repression. He led a life which took him from gambling to wealth and from local political tyranny to a seat in the Congress of Deputies, always counting on the friendship of the Francoist generals.