BATTLE FOR MADRID

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21939, 13 November 1936, Page 9

BATTLE FOR MADRID

> REBELS’ ULTIMATUM EXPIRES INTENSE bombardment RESUMED loyalists may take OFFENSIVE (CirtTED IT.ESS ASSOCIATION’ —COPYRIGHT.) Received November 12, 10.50 p.m.) LONDON, November 12. ■ The bombardment of Madrid was resumed with increased intensity Jast night, shells exploding all over the city. The bombardment is believed to te an indication that General Franco holds that his ultimatum to the city to surrender has expired. Madrid now faces destruction, according to General Franco. “The bombardment will continue until • Madrid surrenders,” he said. “The city will have to be destroyed, district by district, no matter how much I regret it. Unexpected and infurited resistance forces me to this course.” Early this morning fires were raging in the centre of the capital. According to a Paris message “Le Matin” alleges that two Soviet ships are on their way to Spain from “Sebastopol, laden with tanks, aeroplanes, ammunition, and modern , plant for manufacturing poison gas. Russian chemical engineers and airmen are on board. An earlier message said; “A lull {n the artillery fire on the central Spanish front seems to presage either a slight withdrawal by the besiegers, who are definitely on the defensive, or preparations for launching an attack by the Government.” The people of Madrid are jubilant at the recapture of Lower Carabanchel by the loyalists, and the success of the “Victory Column” in holding up the insurgent advance. Government aircraft are definitely threatening the lebels’ aerial supremacy. Though it is too early to prophesy the turn of the tide, the Government, with substantial reinforcements of men and arms, particularly from Barcelona, may shortly take the offensive. NO EXCHANGE OF PRISONERS BRITISH PROPOSALS REJECTED (British official wireless.) RUGBY, November 11. The Foreign Secretary, Mr R. A. Eden, in the House of Commons, said the Spanish Government had been unable to agree to the last proposal made by the British Govern- j ment to both parties for the ex- j change of prisoners and their removal to a place of safety. Subsequently the insurgent authorities also informed his Majesty’s Ambassador that they were unable to accept the proposal. They added that they had no objection to prisoners being visited by British officials. The British Government had made it clear to both sides that its offer of its good offices in this matter remained open, and that it would continue its efforts which it had throughout exerted wherever possible, to prevent the indiscriminate loss of life and to alleviate suffering throughout Spain.