NEWS FROM SPAiN
BURGOS
An event which is largely commented on here today is the return to
Spain of the 50,000 refugees from the concentration camps in France. There is
still no exact information as to how this repatriation will be carried out,
but it is said that the men will be received in groups of 2,500. This affair
marks the counterpoint of the return to Spain of the gold deposited in the
Bank of France.
Dissatisfaction is shown in some Spanish circles with regard to the
measure, a Phalangist leader having declared that “That will make 50,000
more men to be fed in our own concentration camps."
The police have already received orders to investigate the papers of
the refugees as they arrive in Spain. The government has pointed out to the
police “that no agreement between France and Spain creates a special law for
these people and the same measures should be taken with regard to them as are
generally applied to those Spaniards who were so misled as to join the Marxist ranks.
This means that 50,000 more Spanish subjects will be submitted to
the regime of terror which continues to exist in Spain. Many will probably
join the list of 80,000 executed and the million imprisoned by the Franco
authorities with the aid of the Gestapo.
In Phalangist circles the measure is also considered as a sign of
weakness on the part of France although at the same time they do not welcome
an event which will increase the economic difficulties of Spain. One of
their members stated yesterday in a meeting: “There is only one way to deal
with this situation; that is to be more conscientious in the rooting out of
dangerous elements, and to get rid of those who are being sent back to us by
France.”
We have cabled to Premier Daladier urging him not to send these
50,000 refugees back to Spain, and promising to do all in our power to help
the French Government solve this problem in a more humane way.
WILL YOU CABLE OR.WRITE PREMIER DALADIER ASKING HIM NOT TO SEND
THESE REFUGEES BACK TO FRANCO SPAIN AND ALMOST CERTAIN DEATH?
The "Voice of Spain" (London) of August 5th reports: “In all her turbulent
history Spain has never suffered as she has suffered since the Nationalist
“victory.” There is hunger, terror and unemployment. One finds abundant ev-
idence of this even in the controlled and censored press. ARRIBA ESPANA of
Pamplona (July 23rd) published an article under the heading “Economic Blockade”
which states frankly that life has never been so difficult or unpleasant. Un-
certainty has caused business and industry to cease from functioning. Capital-
ists are frightened. The promised reconstruction has not begun. and now — this
struggle for power between Traditionalists and Falange has caused a tension that
is unbearable. Something must happen in Spain. And soon. Of that there need
be no doubt.