RAGGED ARMY

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 1, Issue 4, 28 April 1939, Page 2

RAGGED ARMY

.— —o SPAIN'S 70,000 "FORGOTTEN MEN" PITIFUL CONDITIONS LONDON, April 13. Spain's ragged Republican Army of 70,000 "forgotten men," who bore the brunt of General Franco's attacks, are living in pitiful condi. tions at th c refugee camp on thi beach at Argeles.sur-Mer (France). They now face a new danger, an epidemic, which is inevitable with th'. approach of the hot weather. Tlie miserable conditions have been .somewhat improved. Nevertheless they still constitute on internation. al menace. An accurate description of the conditions, owing to the lacn even of the most primitive sanitary arrangements, would be unprintable. Idleness and privations have broken the men's fine morale. They are living in, tiny holes dug in the ground and covered with sacking. Their only activity is kicking footballs composed of rags tied with string. Rations are forthcoming regular;:/ >)ut lentil soup is the stanle dish. The men are still wearing their torn uniforms and verminous undergarments . General Franco is slowly and grudgingly permitting the rcpatr'a. tion of small parties, but the majority dare not return, fearing ven. geance. An appeal is being made to thd United States for funds to transport and settle at least 50,000' men ;in Latin American countries.