Columbus (CA 74) - Naval Cruise Book

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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-

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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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Roofs of the Casbah ig pot for people ot turope, Asia, Africa and even the Western Hemisphere ' and a large amount of trade Is carried on there despite the fact that the harbor is a small one, filled mostly with small fishing boats. Smug- gling black-market goods into Southern Europe seems to be one of the main occ upations at present. Liberty was enjoyed in both cities, but by the time we reached North Africa a large number of men were thinking only of the states and consequently saving money for home and leave. Ancient Irrigation