PUSH TO MADRID

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 8 October 1936, Page 7

PUSH TO MADRID

BEGUN BY GENERAL FRANCO ALL DAY AIR ATTACK ON EIGHT MILE FRONT (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) LONDON, 6th October. Although there has been no advance of troops General Franco has begun the push to Madrid by an all day air attack in the Santa Cruz-Deretamar sector. Bombs have been showered on an eight-mile front. An early advance is expected. The battle of Navalperal continues with unabated fury. The rebels, despite heavy losses and repeated repulses, continue to hurl themselves against deadly artillery. A fierce battle is also continuing at Oviedo, where Government troops are redoubling their efforts to capture the city. Government troops, who were taken prisoners, at Toledo, are now assisting to clear the ruins of the alcazar and the adjoining streets.

SURRENDER OF CAPITAL

DEMANDED

TERRIFIC AIR ATTACK THREATENED (Received Bth October, 9.45 a.m.) LONDON, 7th October. Insurgent aeroplanes dropped thousands of leaflets over Madrid containing an ultimatum that a terrific air attack would be launched if the capital does not surrender.

MADRID HEAVILY BOMBED THIRTY ’PLANES PARTICIPATE REPORTS OF PANIC AND EVACUATION (Received Bth October, 1.15 p.m.) LONDON, 7th October. A few hours after a warning by means of leaflets dropped from the air to the effect that the city would be bombed without mercy if it did not surrender, insurgents’ aeroplanes heavily bombed Madrid. A message from Burgos states that thirty machines were employed against railway lines, aerodromes, and barracks. The occupants saw signs of panic and declare that evacuation has begun.

The insurgents’ thrust towards Madrid was facilitated by the capture of Fuensalida, Portillo, and Santa Cruz, and de Retamar. The struggle for the last-named was very fierce, and was preceded by an intensive aerial action. Three hundred of the Government forces were killed in the fighting at de Retamar. Navalcarnero is the next and last strong point between this front and Madrid.

WOUNDED GOVERNMENT TROOPS

OFFER BY THE SOVIET MADRID, 7th October. The Soviet Ambassador, on behalf i of his Government, offered to take charge of all Spaniards wounded in fighting the insurgents and send them to Russia. Senor Caballero, the Prime Minister, warmly thanked the Russian people for their new token of solidarity with the Spanish anti-Fascists.