Guernica

I am reading a historical novel about the bombing of the Basque town in northern Spain in 1937; it is entitled "Guernica" and was written by Dave Boling.  The story tells us a lot about the way of the people of the Basque region of Spain and their sense of independence from Spain or France.  The author claims that Spain had granted to the region a form of autonomy and the Basque people had elected a President whose name was Jose Antonio Aguirre (I will have to research to confirm).  The destruction of the town is well described and it is noted that there was one significant target of military importance in the town but it was not bombed.  The story also tells of the painting of the mural-Guernica-by Pablo Picasso.  (I will try to add more later)