NATIONALISTS ENTER

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 74, 29 March 1939, Page 11

NATIONALISTS ENTER

Scenes of Enthusiasm

OFFENSIVE CONTINUES ON OTHER FRONTS

(By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright.)

(Received March 29, 9.50 a.m.) LONDON, March 28.

A Reuter message says that Madrid has surren-

dered.

A nationalist wireless message from Burgos announced that General Miaja had agreed to the unconditional surrender of the city. The Defence Council's radio station confirmed the surrender and advised *Me population to hoist the white flag. The Burgos wireless station announced that a mixed Italian and Spanish corps commanded by General Bambara led the entering forces.

The troops entered and advanced to the centre of the city, motor-cars flying the nationalist, Italian, and German colours, They began their entry at 1 p.m., according to an official wireless announcement. Political refugees poured into the streets and cheered General Franco. Later, the streets were filled with cheering, dancing, and singing crowds. Strangers embraced each other, many in tears. The first food lorries were enthusiastically welcomed. Chocolate, tinned food, and fruit were distributed. The new nationalist Mayor of Madrid has ordered the release of all political prisoners. President Besteiro is the only responsible republican leader left in Madrid. A nationalist broadcast stated that not a drop of blood was shed itt the occupation of the city. Valencia reports that members of the National Defence Council have arrived there and that it is believed they are negotiating for the early entry of General Franco's troops to Valencia. Renter reports that the formal occupation will commence at 5 p.m. A message from Valencia states that it is understood that the republican forces in all sectors have been ordered to withdraw in order to avoid useless bloodshed. EVACUATION OF THOSE IN DANGER. The National Defence Council is expediting the evacuation of those whose lives are endangered owing to their opinions. Colonel Eduardo Lozas has been appointed Military Governor of the city. The Madrid correspondent of the British United Press states that nationalist and republican troops fraternised before the surrender of the city, exchanging cigarettes, rations, and newspapers. Thousands of republicans proceeded to Valencia all night long1, including municipal employees. General Franco is continuing the offensive on the Toledo and Cordoba fronts until he ascertains whether the surrender of Madrid involves the ten republican provinces.

The same coiTespondent says that the white flag was hoisted by the Press Department this morning-. Later white flags flew all over the city. The commander-in-chief, Colonel Casado, left his headquarters, where-it was stated that the central army, under the orders of its chief, Colonel Pradas, surrendered.

Throughout the night republican troops evacuated their trenches and positions and streamed through the city. All fronts were deserted during the day. The streets were full of republican soldiers who abandoned their trenches and weapons. The people adopted the use of the Fascist salute. The shops are refusing republican bank-notes.