IN GRIP OF FIRE

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 47, 19 November 1936, Page 11

IN GRIP OF FIRE

Famous Places Ablaze In Madrid POPULACE HASTENING FOR REFUGE Franco Orders Slower Advance By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright (Received November 18, 7.30 p.m.) London, November 18. .Madrid early this-morning was in the grip of rapidly spreading fires started by incendiary bombs dropped by insurgent airaraft. The Duke of Alba’s palace, one of the most magnificent buildings in the city, is a mass of. flames, which at one time threatened to destroy priceless art treasures, but they were rescued before the flames secured a hold. Several other famous landmarks are blazing. The Grande Via and other streets became rivers of fire as a ceaseless rain of bombs spread burning calcium. A succession of explosions of air bombs joined the unabated roar of General Franco's artillery and increased the deafening inferno as dawn broke over the city. The smoke of blazing buildings is visible for miles. Civilians are hastening panic-stricken to the north-eastern suburbs, which the insurgents announced would be regarded as a refuge area. Meanwhile, tiremen are fighting the flames, particularly at the Provincial and San Carlo hospitals. The Church of San Jeronimo el Real, where the exiled King Alfonso married Queen Ena, was among those set on fire, compelling the flight of those who had taken refuge there. It was built in -1503, and the heirs to the throne took the oath of accession there. The invaders of the university city, despite counter-attacks, are holding their ground. General Franco, realising the costliness of a too hasty advance, has ordered a ' slower and more systematic move; meat. WHOLE BLOCKS BURN Burst Water-mains Hamper Firemen (Received November It), 2 a.m.) London, November 18. The fires are spreadin:; despite every effort, though an outbreak in the telephone exchange has now licen controlled. This was one of the principal targets because its destruction would paralyse the dissemination of orders for the adequate continuance of the defence. Elsewhere whole blocks of buildings are gutted. Fire in the Plaza Del Carmen market between the Grau Via and Puerto Del Sol roared through neighbouring buildings, while high explosives added to the havoc created by incendiary bombs. Tearing holes in the streets and paralysing the tram service. Bursting watermains retarding the task of the firemen. Doctors, nurses and firemen are dropping with fatigue. A comparative hill prevails in the outer battlefields where the rebels are gathering strength for a fresh attack. CHURCHMEN’S APPEAL In Name of Christianity London, November 17. The Archbishops of Canterbury and Upsala. the Rev. Professor Lamont, Professor of Practical Theology at New College, Edinburgh the Rev. Mr. Aubrey. General Secretary of the Baptist Union of Great Britain and Ireland, and Dr. Boegna, head of the French Protestant Federation, have appealed to the Spanish leaders in the name of Christianity to cease reprisals, spare prisoners, and protect women and children Mr. J. McGovern. M.P.. and the secretary of the Independent Labour Party. Mr. McNair, have gone to Spain to investigate the situation.