CITY ENTERED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23309, 30 March 1939, Page 11

CITY ENTERED

MADRID'S RELIEF PEOPLE JUBILANT TKOOPS WELCOMED FOOD DISTRIBUTED (WHITE FLAGS FLOWN By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received March 29, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, March 28 The first Nationalist troops entered Madrid at 1 p.m. to-day and advancejJ*'to the centre of the city in motor-cars flying Nationalist, Italian and German colours, says a message from Burgos. A mixed Italian and Spanish corps, commanded by General Bambara, led the forces. Not a drop of blood was shed in the occupation of the city. General Miaja had previously agreed to- the unconditional surrender of Madrid. The Defence Council's radio confirmed the surrender and advised the population to hoist white flags. Cheers for Victorious Leader The formal occupation of Madrid commenced at 5 p.m., says Renter's Madrid correspondent. White flags are flying in all parts of the city. The Republican Commander-in-Chief, Colonel Casado, left his headquarters, where it was stated that the central army was under orders from its chief,

Colonel Pradas, to surrender. It is believed that General Franco himself will enter Madrid on Saturday. Political refugees poured into the streets cheering for General Franco. The streets later were again filled with cheering, dancing and singing crowds. Strangers embraced each other and many people were in tears. When Madrid was awaiting the coming of the Nationalist troops, guards no longer kept the people from public buildings. The population thronged the streets, demonstrating for General Franco, and the police did not interfere. Former Combatants Fraternise The streets were full of Republican soldiers, who had abandoned the trenches and their weapons in the Bight. The people used the Fascist salute. Shopkeepers refused Republican banknotes. Thef» city's exits were crowded with fugitives. All the fronts were deserted . Nationalist and Republican troops, the correspondent says, fraternised before the surrender, exchanging cigar"ettes, rations and newspapers. The Nationalists announced that 50 lorry loads of food would be distributed in the afternoon and the first food lorries were enthusiastically welcomed. The Nationalists distributed chocolate, tinned food and fruit. The new Nationalist Mayor of Madrid ordered the release of all political prisoners. Thousands Flee to Valencia Republicans who fear Nationalist reprisals evacuated from Madrid to Valencia, where an evacuation committee, representing all parties, is cooperating with General Miaja and General Menendez. Members of the National Dofence Couhcil have arrived in Valencia. It is believed that they are negotiating for tho early entry of General Franco's troops into Valencia. Colonel Casado is reported to have fled to an unknown destination.

Thousands of Republicans left Madrid for Valencia in the night, including municipal employees. The President, Senor Besteiro, was the only responsible Republican leader left in Madrid. , Rejoicings at Burgos The citizens of Burgos reproduced the Armistice night scenes in London in 1918. Bands led a procession, including the Archbishops of Burgos and .Valencia, and a singing throng of soldiers, boys and girls, to military headquarters where, in the course of a speech, Senor Serrano Suner, General - Franco's Minister of the Interior, in a broadcast address, emphasised the triumph of the Nationalists. Continuing, Senor Suner said: "Spain will not forget the behaviour • cf the democracies who tried to compel the Reds to surrender in exchange for assurances regarding Spain's political future. "Spain will always have a vigilant army and will not tolerate fresh insults nor foreign tutelage regarding her policy. The democracies, though represented in Madrid, did not protest against the excesses of the criminal Red chiefs, but merely discussed the invasion of Spain." Colonel Eduardo Lozas has been appointed military governor of Burgos. Offensive Being Continued General Franco will continue his offensive on the Toledo and Cordoba fronts until he ascertains whether the surrender of Madrid involves the 10 Republican provinces, says a despatch from Burgos - General Franco to-day repeated his broadcast appeal to the provincial liepublican armies to surrender and avoid bloodshed, assuring them of fair play. In the meanwhile, his advance successfully continues on all fronts. Members of the Republican force Known as the Fifth Columnists seized the towns of Cuenca, 80 miles southeast of Madrid, and Ciudad Real, 61 Wiles south of Toledo, including the radio stations, from which they broadcast appeals to the Nationalists to «nter, cays the Madrid correspondent the British United Press.