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The Basque flag (wich was outlawed in Spain at the time) was prominently displayed on the stage along with the American, Spanish, and French standards, prompting the Spanish ambassador to refuse to make his appearance until it was removed (his demand was met, but the flag was replaced immediately after his departure). Again, the organizers were unaware that the Spanish ambassador and the director of the New York musical group, a refugee of the Spanish Civil War, were long-standing political enemies. The musical director announced that he was the representative of the Basque government-in-exile, which bewildered most of the audience while precipitating an awkward momento with the Spanish and French ambassadors.

        Jon Oñatibia zen New Yorkeko musikarien zuzendari delako hori. Jesus Galindez hil zutenetik Erbesteko Eusko Jaurlaritzaren ordezkari zen Oñatibia New Yorken.

        Hogeita zazpi urte egin zituen atzerriraturik, Caracasen eta New Yorken, 1963an Euskal Herrira itzuli zen arte. Hala ere, ondoko urteetan behin baino gehiagotan itzuli zen Jon Oñatibia AEBetako Mendebaldera. Udan, gazteei euskara, dantza eta txistu erakusten jardun zuen.

        Atzerrialdi luzearen berri xeheak kontatu zituen Neke ta poz izeneko liburu autobiografikoan. Zoritxarrez, ez zuen Renoko jaialdian bizi izan zuenik kontatu.

        Jon Oñatibia 1979ko ekainaren 30ean hil zen, trafiko istripuan.

        Gaur egun ere, AEBetan batek baino gehiagok du gogoan oiartzuarra. Eta hark egin zuen lana.

        Inork ez dizu Areilza goraipatzen.