SITUATION IN SPAIN

Evening Star, Issue 22462, 6 October 1936, Page 9

SITUATION IN SPAIN

MADRID CITIZENS UNPERTURBED DO HOT REALISE SERIOUSNESS OF POSITION Pres* Association —By Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, October 4. The ‘ Daily Telegraph’s ’ Madrid correspondent reports: “With the insurgents thrusting towards Madrid tho indifference of the public appears remarkable. The streets to-day looked like they do on an ordinary Sunday. Cinemas were open, the Philharmonic Orchestra played a Beethoven symphony, and greyhounds raced at the opening of the new Palais de Dance, which was advertised throughout the city. Tho truth is that the inhabitants do not realise tho seriousness of the situation, as the newspapers do not refer to Government defeats. Moreover, the plan to raise 100,000 men by calling up the 1932-33 conscripts is certain to fail, as many sympathise with the insurgents.” The Hendaye correspondent of 1 The 'Times’ says: “The insurgents assert that the Government troops killed 600 rebel supporters before evacuating Toledo, and took 25,000,000 pesetas belonging to banks and citizens. Ninety Government militiamen who were defending Toledo seminary surrendered after the building had been set on fire and all were immediately executed. Many other Government troops hiding in basements and cedars were forced out and shot.” NON-INTERVENTION POLICY SUPPORTED BY BRITISH LABOUR. (Britiih Official Wireless.) RUGBY, October 5. (Received October 6, at ,noon.) At the Labour Party Conference, Mr Arthur Greenwood reminded delegates that the non-intervention policy in Spain was one for which the Socialist head of the Front Populaire Government in France (M. Blum) admitted responsibility. The initiative came from M. Blum’s Government, and received tho support of Soviet Russia. It had become the united opinion of Europe, Socialist and non-idealist, said Mr Greenwood, that non-intervention was the real way out of a very grave and serious situation. “ COME OUT AND FIGHT ’! GOVERNMENT CHALLENGE AT SANTANDER. LONDON, October 5. (Received October 6, at 1.15 p.m.) Arriving at Santander, the Government’s naval division has challenged the rebels to “ come out and fight or surrender, otherwise we shall destroy you all.” Meanwhile Gibraltar reports that tbs rebels are continuing elaborate preparations in the air and on laud and sea to attack Malaga. The attack can be expected this week. Sixteen thousand troops have been transported by air and sea from Morocco in the last 10 days. The situation at Malaga is desperate and food is scarce. Fighting continues south and east of Toledo.