TIME EXPIRED

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 42, 13 November 1936, Page 9

TIME EXPIRED

Franco’s Ultimatum To

Madrid

SHELLING RENEWED Loyalists, However, Now Confident By Telegraph.—Press Assn. —Copyright (Received November 12, 7.15 p.m.) London, November 12. Tlie bombardment of Madrid was resumed with increased intensity last night, shells exploding all over the city.

The bombardment is believed to be an indication that General Franco regards his ultimatum as having expired.

An earlier message stated that a lull in the artillery fire on the centra! Spanish front seemed to presage either a slight withdrawal by the besiegers, who are definitely on the defensive, or preparation for the launching of an attack by the Government. The people of Madrid are jubilant owing to the recapture of Lower Carabanchel by the loyalists, the success of the "Victory Column’’ in holding up the insurgent advance, and access to aircraft, which is definitely threatening the rebels’ aerial supremacy. Though it is too early to prophesy a turn of the tide, the Government, owing to substantial reinforcements of men and arms, particularly from Barcelona, may shortly take the offensive. MADRID’S FATE “City Will Have To Be Destroyed” STATEMENT BY FRANCO (Received November 13, 1.30 a.m.) London, November 12. Subjected to a more intensified bombing and shelling, Madrid now faces destruction. According to General Franco, “The bombardment will continue until' Madrid surrenders. The city will have to be destroyed district by district no matter how much I regret it. The unexpected and infuriated resistance forces, me to this course.” Early this morning fires were raging in the centre of the capital. A message from Paris states that “Le Matin” alleges that two Soviet ships are en route to Spain from Sebastopol laden with tanks, planes, ammunition, modern plant for manufacturing poison gas, and a number of Russian chemical engineers and airmen. BOTH SIDES REFUSE Exchange of Prisoners (British Official Wireless-) Rugby, November 11. In response to a request for a statement on the subject, the Foreign Secretary, Mr. Anthony Eden, in the House of Commons recalled that the Spanish Government had been unable to agree to the last proposal made by the British Government to both parties for an exchange of prisoners and their removal to a place of safety. Subsequently the insurgent authorities also informed his Majesty’s Ambassador that they were inable to accept the proposal. They added, however, that they would have no objection to their prisoners being visited by British officials.

The British Government had made it clear to both sides, said Mr. Eden, that its offer of good offices in this matter still remained open, and the Government was continuing the efforts which it had made throughout, wherever possible, to prevent indiscriminate loss of life and to alleviate suffering throughout Spain.