their sons to fight for democracy and a happier life. 
The whole house rose to its feet, cheered, and thundered 
applause as Passionaria called forth her famous slo-
gan: "It is better to be the widow of a hero than the 
wife of a coward."

On the morning of April 4th, we were moved from 
Madrid and were on the way to Barcelona. At one 
spot, only a few miles separated the fascist lines from 
the highway. Tortosa, a once picturesque town was 
now no more; nothing remained but a winding road in 
between huge piles of ruins. The churches and schools, 
a large observatory conducted by Catholic priests and 
monks, hotels, department stores---in fact, every build-
ing---was destroyed by bombs and fire. This was the 
regular method by which the fascists conquered the 
towns of the Spanish people.

The next day, when I looked out of the window 
in Barcelona, I could see the streets thronged with 
people. Spanning the main streets, huge banners 
waved the message: "100,000 volunteers for the front, 
50,000 volunteers for fortifications." Huge posters 
bore the words: "And you, what are you doing for 
your country?" 

Barcelona was in the grip of excitement, with a 
feeling of readiness as action was needed urgently. In 
five days, 30,000 youths had responded to the call of 
those banners waving across the streets. There was 
no need for a decree of mobilization. Catalonia was 
being threatened and its people with renewed vigor 
flocked to the help of their Government. 

On April 9th, about two hundred airplanes appeared 
over Barcelona. They did not drop bombs! Leaflets 
were showered on all parts of the city bearing the 
famous words of Dr. NegrinÜ: "Resist! Resist! Resist! 
Resist today to conquer tomorrow!" 

After a short stay in the Aviation Hospital, I was 
called before the International Medical Bureau which 

ÜFootnote: Dr. Negrin has been a refugee in England since the end 
of the war in Spain. Recently he was asked by the British Gov't. 
to leave the country.

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