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Introduction

HIS pamphlet tells in part the story of a Conference of organizations interested in aiding Spanish Democracy which was held at the Marlborough Hotel, Winnipeg, Manitoba, on June 12th, 1937. That Conference was sponsored jointly by The Winnipeg Committee to Aid

Spanish Democracy, The Women’s. Committee for Medical Aid to Spain, The Winnipeg Youth’s Committee to Aid Spain. Widespread interest in the cause of Spanish Democracy was vouched for by the fact that there were in attendance at the Conference delegates repre- senting thirty-one organizations besides a gratifyingly large number of observers.

The Conference adopted the following resolutions: 1. A Resolution on Canada and the League of Nations, stressing

the fact that the League has =failed to live up to its principles and’

carry out its purposes; pointing out that the League Council, having been appealed to by Spain, whose political independence, and terri- torial integrity had been violated, had failed to ta.ke any decisive action in the matter; calling upon the Government of Canada as a member of the League to urge upon the League a more vigorous policy in respect of its re-sponsibilities and obligations; condemning the so—called “Non-Intervention” policy subscribed to by various gov- ernments, the evil result of which had proved to be the enabling of Fascist Italy and Germany to press forward with armed forces in Spain for the overthrow of the democratically constituted Spanish Government.

2. A resolution deploring the policy of the Canadian Government in withholding aid from the Spanish loya.1ists, particularly by prevent- ing Canadian volunteers from going to the assistance of Spanish Democracy. _

3. A resolution expressing the Conference’s heartfelt sympathy with and genuine admiration. for the gallant manhood and youth of Spain who are battling so nobly ,and with such sacrifices in defence of their homeland and their democratic rights.

At the evening session of the Conference Miss Margaret Crang, attorney at law and alderman in Edmonton, Alberta, was heard in an address descriptive of her experiences in battle’-torn Spain. Miss Crang’.s recitals o-f ‘Spanish heroism and devotion, and snatches of conversation from the lips of Spain’s loyalist. youth——ardent words breathing the fire of enthusiasm for freedom-——moved the hearts of her hearersand brought moisture to many eyes.

The principal feature of the Conference was the address of Dr. Marshall J. Gauvin, lecturer of the Winnipeg Humanist Society, delivered atpfithe afternoon session. This address, the story of Spain’s past glciry and long struggle for freedom, was felt to be such an strik- ing portrayal of the background and nature of the Spanish conflict that the Conference voted unanimously that it be published in pam- phlet form and so madeflwidely available.

Owing to the unavoidable absence from the city of Hon. J. McMurray, K.C., P.C., Chairman of the Winnipeg Committee to Aid Spanish Democracy, both sessions of the Conference were presided over by Mr. L. St. G. Stubbs, M.L.A.