Change of Leadership

Abstract

Giving Italy and Germany a monopoly of surveillance over the Loyalist coast had been a mistake. Tension increased as their gunboats under the cover of darkness roamed the area shelling Republican towns. At the same time, pressing his attack on Bilbao, Franco boldly declared a blockade of the Bay of Biscay, seeking by force to prevent all ships, including those with food stuffs, from reaching Republican destination. In a period of four days (April 6–10) a total of four ships were stopped. In advance of any specific orders from the Cabinet the British Admiralty had informed all British merchantmen within the area to proceed to St. Jean de Luz to await instruction. When it was learned that Franco intended to enforce his determination by planting mines, Baldwin called a special meeting of the Cabinet, at which (on April 10) it was decided ships would only be protected on the high seas; they were warned to avoid risks against which it was impossible to give protection. Two days later Baldwin said the British would not tolerate any interference with British shipping at sea, but he did not assure that ships carrying food to Bilbao through the blockade, even though it was unrecognized as such, would get protection; he firmly refused any alteration in the policy concerning belligerent rights. This apparently mild approach produced a furor of indignation. The Admiralty, discontented with the Government’s caution for some time, made no effort to conceal their disappointment.