MEMORANDUM OF INTERVIEW.
Date 22nd March, 1939.
Time 2.0 to 2.15
SUBJECT. Spanish Seamen
Reference EAB/AT/673
Present
Present:
Mr. J.R. Webb,
Mr. E.A. Bell.
Mr. Webb explained that he was Secretary of the Plymouth Basque Children's Committee and that for the last four or five weeks they have been assisting about 16 Spanish seamen, who had been compelled to leave their steamer owing to it having been turned over to the Spanish Nationalist Government. Arrangements had been made for these men to be provisioned by the Plymouth Sailors' Home, and the Basque Children's Committee were providing cooking facilities, etc. at their hostel. The Seamen's Home had recently intimated that they would not be able to continue provisioning these men for very much longer, and had asked what arrangement it was proposed to make for the future of the men.
Mr. Webb stated he had heard that the General Council were guaranteeing the maintenance of Spanish sailors stranded in this country, and he asked whether it was possible for the General Council to do anything in the case of the seamen in his district.
I explained the position generally to Mr. Webb and said that the Trades Councils in the ports concerned had been circularised by the General Council asking, among other things, that they should endeavour to raise by local collections moneys which could be utilised for the assistance of such cases. I suggested that he should get in touch with the Secretary of the Plymouth Trades Council and talk the matter over with him in the light of the General Council's circular.
Mr. Webb welcomed this suggestion and said he would keep us informed of what transpired.
Mr. Webb's private address is: 6 Riverview Terrace, Laira, Plymouth.
