Spain’s Tobacco King Escapes From Prison

Horowhenua Chronicle, 6 November 1933, Page 3

Spain’s Tobacco King Escapes From Prison

AWAITING- TRIAL ON BRIBERY CHARGE MADRID, Nov. 3. Juan March, Spain’s tobacco king, a very wealthy man, had been in gaol at Alcala de Henaros for 18 months awaiting trial on a charge of obtaining the Moroccan tobacco monopoly by brib ery during the Monarchist regime. March continued to conduct his huge business from the office of the prison, and had his own chef to cook his meals. Warders to-day discovered that March had escaped, and two warders have been arrested for, it is alleged, permitting him to escape. A commission has so far failed to substantiate the charges against March, and the news of his escape has created a sensation in Madrid. The Premier immediately announced severe measures against those who directly or indirectly were responsible for Starch’s escape. Escape Aided by Prison Officials SPAIN ORDERS AN INQUIRY Received Sunday, 7.40 p.m. LONDON, Nov. 4. It is reported that the Spanish Government has ordered an inquiry into the escape of March, which was aided by a prison official who accompanied him to Gibraltar. March’s Property May be Confiscated Received Sunday, 8 p.m. GIBRALTAR, Nov. 4. Juan March arrived by motor-car and passed the frontier unrecognised. He is staying with Spanish Monarchists who have lived hero since the establishment of the 'republic. It is reported that the Spanish - Government may confiscate March’s property, valued at over £5,000,000, mostly in the Balearic Islands.