Why have you come to Euskal Herria?

Humbert Bried: We are members of a group linked to historical memory. Since 1981, we have been investigating Nazism. We investigated German military history in the Hannover area. We realized that nearby there was an airport used by the Nazis, from where the famous Condor Legion came out. 70% of the pilots of heavy bombing aircraft trained at this airport in the municipality of Wunstorf. From there they went to bomb areas of Madrid and Andalusia, as well as Gernika.Hemos published several books to publish the research.

The treatment of the German state with these pilots has also been analysed. We met with a great deal of silence. Everyone told us that they were not in Spain and that they did not participate in the Civil War. But we presented very clear evidence, which has finally had to accept the participation of these pilots.

In addition, we have begun to develop links with Euskal Herria, especially with Gernika. We have made an exchange of people. A people from Germany have gone to Gernika and a people from here have come to Germany. We have been traveling and participating in the anniversary of the bombing for 25 years.

Klaus Armbruster: We met 10 years ago and the members of the Baskale association have translated into Euskera one of their expositions on the history of the Condor Legion. He has visited 40 municipalities of Euskal Herria and Cantabria, in addition to Laudio.

Humbert Bried: In addition, we have collaborated with the union Ver.di, which works in the field of public services, and we have jointly organised trips. Most participants in this trip are union members, mostly retired.

In Ayala, on the contrary, you have come to know the local labour movement, especially the Tubacex strike.

Klaus Armbruster: So far, travel has focused mainly on the subject of historical memory. Now, seeing that many trade unionists were involved in the journey, we've opened a little bit to address issues like the workers' movement, strikes or social movements. There came the idea of visiting Ayala.

Do you know Tubacex's strike in Germany?

Klaus Armbruster: Some of those who have travelled know a lot about the subject and others know very little or almost nothing. In the German press on the left several articles have been published on the success of the strike and what is behind it. It was not a company strike, but a socio-political movement across the region.