Columbus (CA 74) - Naval Cruise Book

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SPAIN v ' ithout a doubt one of the ports most enjoyed on the cruise was Barcelona, Spain. A great many men termed It the best we visited but, of course, there were others who stuck faithfully by their beloved France. No doubt about it, though, Barcelona offered just about anything the liberty-loving sailor could ask for. Wine, women and song were in abundance and there were plenty of worthwhile souvenirs to be purchased at very reasonable prices. For those who like to just see the sights , there was an excellent overnight trip to Madrid and a ski tour to the mountains in addition to the city tour. Several hundred people came aboard each day to look over the ship and no doubt our visit fostered a great deal of good will. It seems fewer ships visit Spain than most of the other Mediterranean ports and the people are not accustomed to having American sailors around. Consequently, we saw few instances of price-hiking and it was

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follows the rugged oufline of the mountain face, high above the coast, and commands on the south a lovely and constantly varying panorama of the sea with its bays and promontories. Monte Carlo, a world-famous gambling center despite the fact that the town has only a population of 9,000, is located In the tiny principality of Monaco. The entire area of Monaco is only 8I 2 square miles, but its mild climate and magnificent scenery in addition to its gambling fame have made it a tourist resort and international confer- ence city of wide renown. Our stay in France was graced by very good weather for that time of the year, even though it wasn ' t quite warm enough to enjoy the sandy beaches of Nice and nearby resorts. We still had to take along peacoats but for mid-winter it was, shall we say, — warmer than Boston. For one and all, it was a visit worth remembering. One the like of which comes all too seldom in a sailor ' s life.

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possible to buy such things as leather goods, jewelry and clothes at costs especially low. There were instances in which five-course meals cost as little as one dollar. It was toward the end of the cruise, 9-15 January to be exact, that the COLUMBUS stopped in Barcelona along wUh lhe EVERGLADES, one submarine and two destroyers. Barcelona is the center of the chief textile manufacturing region of Spain. In addition, there are important manufacturers of foodstuffs and engineering products as well as aircraft facilities. Spain was neutral in World War II but Its relations with the Axis and Its Fascist character alienated the Western Allies. Spain was excluded from the UN In 1946 and the US, France and Britain recommended the withdrawal of Franco. Also In 1946 Poland, supported by the Soviet Union, demanded break- ing of relations with Spain by all UN members and In December of that year the UN recommended withdrawal of ambassadors from the country. This was heeded by the US and major powers, but disregarded by Argentina, which cemented closer relations with Spain. The International Trade Conferences denied Spain admission. After 1948 the West saw dangers to itself in Communist agitation. On the initiative of Latin American nations and the Arab League, the UN General Assembly removed the ban on Spain. The US began to consider the well-trained standing army of Spain as a possible asset In European defense, the US and Spain exchanged ambassadors and the canvass for possible American air bases in Spanish territory was made. Stafue of Columbus Barcelona Pier