Shocking reports from France. More than 200,000 Spaniards – old men, women and children – have fled from Catalonia to France, seeking refuge from Franco. Up to 150,000 Republican troops have retreated over the French border. Such events have occurred before in history. In 1870, a 100,000 strong French army, led by General Bourbaki, retreated from the Prussians, crossed the Swiss border, was interned, and returned to France after the peace treaty was signed. The Swiss treated the French well, and this episode helped considerably in consolidating good relations between the two neighbouring countries. The Spanish Republicans had every reason to expect similar treatment in France. Azcárate told me once that when the armies of Modesto

Juan Modesto, member of the Spanish Communist Party, he commanded Ebro’s army in 1938.

and Líster

Enrique (Forjan) Líster, member of the Spanish Communist Party and commander of the Republican 5th Army Corps, 1936–38.

reached the French border, the two leaders made emotional speeches to their soldiers, telling them that across the border lay France, a country of peace and liberty, where the Republican troops, exhausted by war, would find rest and friendly understanding. Modesto and Líster implored their men to demonstrate exemplary conduct, so as not to stain the good name of the Spanish Republic. The men answered with concerted and resolute pledges…