REBELS PRESSING ON

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 31 January 1939, Page 5

REBELS PRESSING ON

FURTHER TOWNS CAPTURED LONDON, 29th January. The Hendaye correspondent of “The j Times” says that the rebels have taken ! Organa and Santa Maria de 010, jeopardising Seo de Urgel. Berga, and , Vich. The Perpignan correspondent of the "Daily Telegraph” says that thousands of refugee camp fires twinkle on the hillsides to-night. Food has been distributed to the refugees. A powerful revolving beacon which is flashing over Le Perthus is a guide to refugees and a warning to aviatiors not to drop bombs north of this point. The refugee situation is gradually coming under control. A 15-mile safety corridor is being organised, subject to General Franco's good-will. It is officially stated in Gerona that the loyalists heroically repulsed strong attacks east of Solsona and Manresa, inflicting heavy losses. They held the line in the Mataro sector despite pressure. Palamos was twice shelled I by four warships, and bombs were also ! dropped by Italian planes, civilians, being killed. PRISON CONDITIONS j The Barcelona correspondent of “The j 1 Times” says that the loyalist guards, j ; before abandoning Mount Juich, killed i a number of prisoners, including | women, whose bodies lie on the hill- j side. The victors released 500 prison- ! ers. A number of those who had been | tortured were unable to rise from I their beds. The place reeks with tragedy, and the walls bear evidence of the executions by firing squads. The prison, when full, contained 3000 persons, who were crammed in subterranean dungeons. Many prisoners were removed to an unknown destination six weeks ago. Those who had been sentenced to death were placed in cells. They had no mattresses, but were supplied with a blanket apiece. They were given a dozen boiled beans twice a < day. Captive German and Italian airmen remained without food on days when there were air raids.