British Government Maritime Evacuations in the Spanish Civil War, 1936-1939

This article focuses on the neglected role of the British government and its front-line diplomats in the evacuation by sea of those in danger from violence behind the lines in the Spanish Civil War. It moves beyond the study of those in danger in government territory which dominates the current literature and examines the contrasting policies applied to both sides in the conflict. It challenges the notion that British front-line diplomats as a rule acted autonomously and with a sense of fair play. Instead, while showing the diversity of front-line responses, it shows at crucial moments these diplomats favoured the Francoists at the cost of the lives of government supporters who stood at much greater risk.