Basque Nationalist Party's Stance on July 18, 1936

The PNV, influenced by its Catholic and Basque autonomist roots, was divided by the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War, adopting different stances in Navarra, Álava, Vizcaya, and Guipúzcoa.

## The Navarrese and Álava Position

On **July 20, 1936**, a day after the military uprising began, the PNV in Navarra issued an official statement signed by the **Napar Buru Batzar**, distancing itself from the Republican government. This declaration effectively meant their adherence to the rebellion, which was met with unanimity in the Foral Community. Shortly after, the regional council of the PNV in Álava issued a similar order. Their stated goal was to prevent "fratricidal struggles" and "anarchy," urging members to obey the orders of the military authorities and constituted delegates. A later manifesto, signed by deputy **Javier de Landaburu** and **Manuel Ibarrondo**, spoke of a "Crusade of spiritual regeneration and material strengthening" against "prevailing anarchy" and the threat of "barbaric communism." They exhorted Basque nationalists to "contribute to the imminent success of those who will redeem such a precious treasure," shouting "Long live Spain, long live the Basque Country."

## Divergence in Vizcaya and Guipúzcoa

The situation in Vizcaya was different. The president of the PNV's **Bizkai Buru Batzar**, **Juan Ajuriaguerra**, recounted how, after a sleepless night awaiting news, they made the "unanimous" decision to support the Republican government. This measure was adopted "without any enthusiasm," as they were convinced that the opposite choice would have generated opposition from their own base. In Guipúzcoa, adherence to the Republican side occurred after a tense meeting, but the mobilization of their forces was delayed for three weeks after the war broke out.