Columbus (CA 74) - Naval Cruise Book

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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

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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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vv N. AFRICA V . ' i ' orth Africa, especially Algiers where the COLUMBUS visited from 16-22 January, Is a place where the old world seems to meet the new. A great deal of the ancient customs and culture of the Arabs remains despite the fact that WWII accomplished much toward the westernization of that area. The world-famous Casbah of Algiers Is a place of absolute filth, degradation and poverty yet It never ceases to attract tourists and It somehow lends an air of mystery and enchantment all its own. Hedy Lamarr and Charles Boyer made a movie there not many years ago. Algiers, It could be said, is made up of two distinct cities. The Arab section, made up mostly of the Casbah, and the European, or western area downtown are two widely varying sectors. The European section Is made up of fine shops, eating places and entertainment spots on streets not unlike those In our own large cities. Neon lights are abundant and the bustling crowds along the main avenues remind one of store night back home. It was in that port that the NEWPORT NEWS re- lieved the COLUMBUS and El Supremo did such a great job of welcoming It to the Med. Everyone agreed that the COLUMBUS outdid the relieving cere- mony which we received In Lisbon last October. The entire starboard side covered with gaily painted ban- ners and signs. Admiral El Supremo Johnston and his court, and the weirdly uniformed crew did much to put the NEWPORT NEWS crew right in the spirit of the day (from our point of view). We had expected to stay In Algiers until ready to return to the states but a last minute change in plans took us to Tangier to finish our Med cruise. The ship was there from 23-26 January. Tangier is located In an international colony con-