DRIVE ON MADRID

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 260, 1 October 1936, Page 9

DRIVE ON MADRID

GENERAL FRANCO CONFIDENT. GOVERNMENT PRECAUTIONS. CAPITAL A FORTRESS. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) Received October 1, 8.5 a.m. LONDON, Sept. 30. A naval victory resulted in the sinking by the Almirante Ferrandez of the armed trawler Nauen, while the Gravina, afire fore and aft, was last 6een sinking. General Franco predicts the occupation of Madrid on October 12, the anniversary of the discovery of America. He claims that the rebels have cut the railway at Siguenza, northeast of Madrid, leaving the only link by sea. The Madrid Government is calling up the 1932-3 classes of conscripts, also all bricklayers, cement workers, ami engineers, to make Madrid an impregnable fortress. The city proceeds as if there is no fear of an attack. Cafes are filled and more people are abroad at night than early in the war. Widespread rejoicing over the relief of the Alcazar continues at Toledo. A pathetic drama connected with the siege occurred last week when Government troops telephoned Colonel Moscardo, the Alcazar commander, and said: “Your son is a. hostage. We will kill him unless you surrender.” Moscardo replied: “Call my son to the telephone.” AVhen the son spoke Moscardo said: “My darling boy, those traitors proposed that I should save your life at the cost of the lives of my brave men and of my honour. I hope, mv son, after you have prayed, you will cry ‘Long live Spain,’ and your life will be eternal.” The son was executed the same morning. FORCE NEAR MADRID. Received October 1, 9.15 a.m. LONDON, Sept. 30. The Spanish rebels claim that the advance guard from Toledo has reached Ueau, only 25 miles from Madrid.