PLOT IN MADRID

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23308, 28 September 1937, Page 9

PLOT IN MADRID

TO HAND OVER CAPITAL LARGE NUMBER ARRESTED SEVERAL WOMEN INCLUDED (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) MADRID, Sept. 26. General Miaja asserts that 5000 were connected with the Fascist plot. Those arrested include 18 women, army officers and officials. The conspirators aimed at organising a body from refugees in the Embassies who, with subverted police and troops, would hand over Madrid to General Franco. The plotters used calendar leaves as a code, and concealed the identity of the conspirators by the use of dates as names. The Chilean and Argentine Embassies repudiate the charges. DESERTERS FROM DESTROYER VOLUNTARY SURRENDER LONDON, Sept. 26. Twelve more, including officers, who deserted from the Spanish destroyer Jose Luis Diez, voluntarily surrendered at the Falmouth police station. Others were arrested sleeping in the woods. All declared that they disliked their new commander, were tired of war, and were willing to go anywhere but to Spain, where they had to fight their brothers. The police escorted them to Exeter Prison to join 66 previous deserters.

DESTROYER LEAVES FOR SPAIN LONDON, Sept. 26. The destroyer Jose Luis Diez departed for Spain. A message received on September 17 stated: The crew of 66, objecting to the new commander, deserted from the Spanish destroyer Jose Luis Diez, 'which was crippled in an air raid and put into Falmouth. The crew were detained under Home Office instructions and taken to Exeter Prison as aliens landing without permits. Their repatriation is being arranged.