BILBAO CHILDREN

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 424, 4 May 1937, Page 5

BILBAO CHILDREN

READY FOR EVACUATION First Contingent Numbers 5000 Press Association—Cooyrignt. Received May 4', 11.30 a.m. London, May 3. Preparations proceeding for the evacuation of women and children from Bilbao may result in the greatest oceanic, migration in history. It is understood that the British and French arrangements for the evacuation have been completed. The first contingent of 5000, mainly children, are ready to leave Bilbao. The Spanish steamer Habana, of 10,551 tons, now at Nervion, will carry the first batch to France on Tuesday. 1 he Sota family has placed a steam yacht at the service of the Basque Government for humanitarian purposes. This and other ships, convoyed by the British Navy, will fly the St. George’s Cross as a special flag. The British Embassy at Hendaye informed the Foreign Office to-day that the Nationalists strongly object to the decision to help in the evacuation of women and children from Bilbao and other Basque ports. The protest is an unpleasant surprise, as it is felt that no objection was possible. The insurgents to-day made two air bombing raids on Bilbao, but. little damage was caused.