STREAMS OF PETROL

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 21 September 1936, Page 5

STREAMS OF PETROL

POURED OVER THE ALCAZAR

NOW A SHAPELESS MASS

DESPERATE FIGHTING FOR POSSESSION

CIVIL WAR IN SPAIN

United Press Association— By Electric Telegraph—Copy right)

(Received 21st September. 10.20 a.m.) LONDON) 20th September. The loyalist attack oil the alcazar at Toledo was savagely resumed, the defenders doggedly maintaining possession of the shapeless mass of granite which was once a magnificent citadel. The Government accounts for the failure to subdue it by stating that the principal mine failed to explode. The besiegers now intend to employ fire hoses to drench the citadel with petrol, then ignite it, forcing the occupants to choose between surrender and incineration. Fh-e brigade hoses poured streams of petrol over the occupied parts of the alcazar, then bombs, ignited it and huge sheets .'of flame enshrouded the former headquarters of the military governor, which a strong force of rebels had captured. Government forces vainly tried to expel them, being driven back by enormous clouds of thick, choking smoke from the burning petrol. One rebel, braving a hail of bullets, rushed out and grabbed the hose from a fireman’s hand and turned the stream of petrol on Government supporters and held the hose while they poured bullets into him till he fell dead. Then a party of insurgents made a desperate sortie in the'teeth of a heavy fusillade. Many were killed and wounded before they retired. ~, . The Diplomatic corps in Madrid is trving to obtain an armistice at the alcazar to save the women and children. The Chilean Ambassador suggests that a twenty-four hour armistice will save the lives of 900 women and children. CLAIM BY REBELS (Received 21st September, 10.30 a.m.) LONDON, 20th September. An insurgent broadcast from Cadiz claims that the cruisers Almirante Cervera and Espana engaged the Livertad and another Government cruiser trying to raise the blockade on Bilbao and Gijon,. and sank both.

BRITISH REFUGEES MANY ALMOST DESTITUTE APPEAL FOR FUNDS (British Official Wireless) (Received 21st September, 10.55 a.m.) RUGBY, 20th September. A letter signed by the Archbishop of Canterbury and York, the Archbishop of Westminster and others appeals for funds for British refugees from Spain, many of whom have reached England entirely destitute. Harrowing examples are cited of men and women who have spent most of their lives in Spain and had built up prosperous businesses or professional connections and who have had to leave behind everything down to the smallest personal effects. A committee has been formed to organise help for the refugees.