RESCUERS OF SPANISH AIRMEN. ENTHUSIASTIC SCENES.

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 19664, 6 July 1929, Page 5

RESCUERS OF SPANISH AIRMEN.

ENTHUSIASTIC SCENES.

EMBARRASSING EVIDENCE OF GRATITUDE.

(BRITISH OWICIAIi WIBELZSS.) HUGBY, July 4. Hie public reception accorded by Madrid to-day to Captain Lawrence and the other officers of the aircraftcarrier H.M.S. Eagle, and to the Spanish airmen they rescued, was embarrassingly fervid. Wild with enthusiasm, the crowds broke through the police, and the officers were embraced and showered with bouquets. The Spanish officers linked arms to protect the Englishmen from these attentions until the shelter of an hotel was reached. They will lunch with the Queen of Spain to-morrow. —Australian Press Association.

MADRID'S CORDIAL WELCOME. (Received July 6th, 1.11 a.m.) MADRID, July 4. A tremendous crowd assembled at the station to welcome the rescued Spanish airmen and the officers of H.M.S. Eagle. On the station were General Ponte, .King's aide-de-camp, the Infante Alphonse, members of Cabinet, and many public delegations. The train came in amid the singing of the British and Spanish National Anthems. There was great cheering in the streets, which were hung with the flags of Britain and Spain. A crowd gathered at the hotel, cheering and shouting, "Long live England! Long live the British Navy and airmen." Major Franco appeared on the balcony and was uproariously acclaimed. The aviators went to a complimentary luncheon at the Aero Club. The officers of H.M.S. Eagle begged to be excused as they had to prepare for the audience with the Queen. —Australian Press Association, United Service.