EXCHANGE OF HOSTAGES

Northern Advocate, 23 October 1936, Page 7

EXCHANGE OF HOSTAGES

WOMEN AND CHILDREN RESCUED FROM DANGER

[British Official Wireless.l (Received 2.30 p.m.) RUGBY, October 22,

Details have now been received of the exchange of women and children hbstages which Dr. Junod, of the International Red Cross, has arranged between the rebel authorities at Burgos and the newly-established Basque administration at Bilbao. On October 11, 114 women hostages were evacuated from Bilbao to St. Jean Luz by H.M.S. Exmouth and Esk. These women refugees displayed the utmost gratitude on the part played by the British Navy and on being taken aboard the warship El Rex Edward Bth.

On October 17, Esk embarked four children and five nurses at San Sebastian. When they landed at Bilbao they were received by cheering crowds and given a civic welcome. Dr. Junod left Bilbao in H.M.S. Escort on Saturday for St. Jean de Luz with another 100 refugees. . The appeal of the British Government for agreement between the contended parties in the Spanish civil war for the exchange of hostages was conveyed to both sides;