FALL OF SANTANDER

Evening Post, Volume CXXIV, Issue 50, 27 August 1937, Page 9

FALL OF SANTANDER

REBELS OCCUPY CITY

THE NEXT OBJECTIVE

ADVANCE TO GIJON

(United tress Association— By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) (Received August 27, 11.45 a.m.) LONDON, August 26. Three delegates from Santander, including the leader of.the Government shock troops, were led blindfolded through the insurgent lines after dawn and formally surrendered the city. This action followed a quiet night during which the insurgent guns were trained on the city. The insurgent generals demanded a hundred hostages as a token of good faith. The delegates returned to the city and soon afterwards ihe Government forces were seen aban-. doning their positions preparatory to surrender. The insurgent forces then closed in to occupy the city, and tanks and armoured-cars were soon rumbling through the streets. The rebel commander-in-chief, General Franco, accompanied by his troops, will enter Santander tomorrow. It is claimed that 46,000 loyalists have virtually surrendered. Gijon will be the next objective. The Marques di Aycimena, General Franco's Charge d'Affaires, is to present his credentials at the .Vatican tomorrow. HASTENED BY REVOLT. The revolt of the Civil Guards, the police, the carabinieres, and part of the civilian population hastened the fall of Santander, says the Santander correspondent of the "Morning Post." They took charge of public buildings and imprisoned the remaining Government officials. Those resisting were shot out of* hand. A body of civilians then marched out carrying a white flag and invited General Davila, commanding the insurgents' northern army, to i enter. Many political leaders, militia! officers, and others were caught trying to escape to Asturias. Insurgent naval units are closely guarding the entrance : to Santander harbour to prevent further escapes by sea.