To Fight For Loyalists

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 65, 18 March 1938, Page 6

To Fight For Loyalists

PALMERSTON NORTH VOLUNTEERS DECIDE Twenty Young Men Determined To Go SERVICE WITH SPANISH INTERNATIONAL BRIGADE Twenty young men in Palmerston North have volunteered for active service with the International Brigade, fighting on the side of the Loyalists in the Spanish conflict, units of which have be§n rushed to the Aragon front in order to assist in stemming General Franco’s push towards the coast. This practical expression of sympathy with the cause of the Spanish Government has been evinced during the visit to the city of Lieutenant Tom Spiller, himself a member of the International Brigade. These young men, stated Mr. Spiller last evening, were, he considered, of a very fine type. They were influenced in this action purely by their own political opinions, and not, as might be asked, by a desire for a “scrap.” Their offer had been a voluntary one and had definitely not been as a result of any canvas for recruiting, for which purpose he is not in New Zealand. “I told them something of what they must expect, ’ ’ said Mr. Spiller. “It is a ghastly affair; the last great war was nothing like it. It is war in the most frightful degree imaginable. Fifty per cent, of those who go don’t come back.” ’When asked how the volunteers would fare financially, Lieutenant Spiller said that they would have to provide for themselves in this respect. At present it was costing benefactors, who were sponsoring the Brigade £9OO a week to aid dependents of men killed. It was hoped that the sending of further volunteers would not increase this expense. The men, therefore, must have no dependents. Taking “Pot Luck” The Palmerston North men would be taking “pot luck." They will find their way to London by whatever means they can, and once there they must undergo a stringent medical test. “As many as 1000 volunteers a day apply at headquarters' in London, and only a small percentage of these pass the severe test,” said Lieutenant Spiller. “So when these men get to London they will just have to take their chance.” Besides this they have to be honest, conscientious, and possess a number of other similar qualifications. It would cost the volunteers from £3O to £4O. Their pay would be probably merely is a day. Leaving Jobs to Go. These volunteers from Palmerston North are all men in occupations, and they would be throwing their jobs over to go. Four or five of them are capable of being air pilots, and these may join up with the Loyalist Air Force. There have been quite a number of volunteers who have left New Zealand for the scene of Spain \s conflict in the past, while a large number of Australians have also given their assistance to the Government. At present in the Dominion were quite a number volunteering for servic# in the brigade, added Lieutenant Spiller, who said he himself intended to return to Spain. “I might not come back this time,” he said cryptically.