A TRAGIC FLIGHT

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20464, 2 April 1938, Page 8

A TRAGIC FLIGHT

4.30 O’CLOCK EDITION

PLIGHT OF REFUGEES BEEK BAFETY IN PRANOt WOMEN AND CHILDREN STARVING imud Prat* Aim.—€!ec. Tal. Copyright (Received April 2, 3.15 p.m.) LICHON, April 1 Dejected and famiehed women, some carrying babies a few months old, followed by 111-clad, half-starved children, are struggling to safety on French soil across the Pyrenees In one of the most tragic flights In history. The track over which thousands, chiefly battered Republican troops, are passing, was made by means of skis by Spanish Pyrenees riflemen. Over 10.000 Republicans are reported to be rut off along the Spanish side of the Pyrenees, and thousands are already marching to the frontier. It Is amazing that so many survived the crossing of the mountain passes, many completing the laat stages on their hands and knees. Women, clasping babies, threw themselves at the feet of French guards, imploring food and refuge. The French authorities cannot hope to house and feed thousands of people fn the mountainous villages, and decided to distribute the refugees through the provinces. Frightful Experiences A number of aged people had frightful experiences In the snowbound passes. One hospital is accommodating 500 who suffered frightfully. The soldiers of the Thirty-first Division, recounting stories of their hopeless plight, causing them to decide to flee from the ceaseless battering of General Franco’s guns and ’planes, said the resistance crumbled before the onslaughts of well-equipped Italians, backed by hordes of ’planes. Two Republican shock brigades !n North Huesca were wiped out. The remainder, short of ammunition and with no ’planes or artillery, decided to retreat to save themselves from annihilation. They were continually harrassed by pursuing ’planes. They told the authorities that the passes were littered with dead. <