FRANCO’S ULTIMATUM

Kaikoura Star, Volume LVI, Issue 86, 2 November 1936, Page 3

FRANCO’S ULTIMATUM

SAFETY IN SURRENDER LONDON, October 28. Madrid reports that General Franco’s “final ultimatum” fixes a 48 hours time limit for the surrender of the capital. It promises safety for those abandoning arms, but threatens fivefold reprisals for any hostage killed. The rebels twice made air raids on Madrid, a bomb damaging the Vallescas railway junction, to the eastward of the capital. The Government forces spiritedly replied with anti-aircraft machine-guns but the aeroplanes were not hit. Simultaneously, according to the Daily Herald’s Madrid correspondent, a squadron of Government aeroplanes from Madrid, after a long period of inactivity, flew over Talavera, bombing the rebel aerodrome. It is reported that they destroyed fifteen machines and that all the raiders escaped, despite heavy anti-aircraft fire. Advancing four miles nearer Madrid this sector of the rebel force occupied Torrejon del la Calzada on the ToledoMadrid road, 16 miles from the capital, and also occupied a number of small villages, encountering little resistance. Heavy fighting continues near Escorial. White-Faced Battalions The Madrid correspondent of The Times reports that feverish, if belated, preparations to defend the capital continue. The unions are mobilising their members and white-faced battalions of barbers, pastrycooks, bakers, decorators, and other indoor or night working trades are. springing up alongside their sun-tanned comrades from the outdoor trades. These new battalions form the reserves of those already in the field. They are constantly implored and admonished to stand fast. Madrid’s amazing capacity for procrastination can hardly last much longer in the face of the rebels’ advance. A Gibraltar message says the destroyer Gallant has gone to Malaga with 201 Madrid supporters. This is the first time a British warship has transported refugee people from Madrid.