Nearing Madrid

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 247, 19 October 1936, Page 7

Nearing Madrid

Last Government Stronghold Captured ENTRY EXPECTED SHORTLY United Press Association— By Electric TelecrapiJ.—Copyright. SEVILLE, October 16. General Franco claims that the last Government stronghold at Navajcarnero, on the Talavera-Madrid road, has been captured and the insurgents are now twenty-five miles from Madrid. It is expected that they will bo at the gates in forty-eight hours.

Roads and Bridges Blown Up MOORISH CAVALRY SUCCESSES. LONDON, Oct, 16. Aided by aeroplanes, tanks, and artil lery, the rebels are continuing their advance to Madrid from the west. The Government forces are falling back on a front of 35 miles and aro covering their retreat by blowing up roads and bridges. Determined charges by Moorish cavalry have been a big factor in the rebels' successes. General Mola's forces are now menacing the royal palace at El Escoriai, near the capital. Messages from Madrid state that the Prime Minister, Seuor Caballero, has assumed the position of “Supreme Chief” of the armed forces and is virtually military dictator. After curfew at 10 p.m. Madrid is n city of grim silence, broken by occasional outbursts of rilie fire from sentries who jump from the shadows. Police visit houses by night making investigations and identifying the occupants. The number of political prisoners is still increasing, and it is reported that there have been 2000 arrests ia four days. Meat, sugar, and butter are Bcarce. Despite the rebels’ advance, the Governor declares that the city can be successfully defended.

Noise of Cannonade Heard in City Received Sunday, 0.20 p.m. LONDON, Oct. IS. Assisted by good railway and road communications the insurgents are pressing their attack on Madrid from the north-west. The noise of ’ their cannonade is heard in Madrid whence the smoke of their shells is visible. The Government claims to nave brought down three rebel bombers and also to have beaten off the attack at some points. Meanwhile thousands of children are being evacuated from Madrid and the neighbouring districts to Valencia.

Sydney Nurses Leave for Front

Received Sunday, 7.30 p.m. SYDNEY, Oct. 18. Fcur young Sydney nurses leave for Spain on baturday next to place their services at the disposal of the Spanisii Government. The first unit to leave Australia, they volunteered to go to the front where thoy will join the British Red Cross unit. The trip is sponsored by tho Spanish relief committee in Sydney.