NEARING THE END

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23730, 10 February 1939, Page 9

NEARING THE END

CATALAN CAMPAIGN LOYALISTS CROSS TO FRANCE DIVISIONS OF INFANTRY MARCH IN THE NIGHT (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) LONDON, Feb. 9. (Received Feb. 9, at 8.30 p.m.) The beginning of the end of the Catalan campaign came with dramatic suddenness, says the special correspondent of the Daily Mail at Bourg-Madame. Last night at 10 o’clock there appeared on the frontier out of the darkness a column of infantry marching four abreast, while behind them stretched an unending line of troops. Every available French soldier was hurriedly summoned from barracks and cafes. The officer leading the column explained that two divisions of the Catalan army were entering France. Thirty-five minutes later 16,000 soldiers, all marching in perfect formation, had crossed the frontier. They were immediately disarmed, great piles of rifles and revolvers rapidly rising on each side of the road. Afterwards, the newcomers were conducted to fields and open spaces around Bourg-Madame, where, within a few minutes, they were lighting fires around which they huddled for warmth in the icy night air. Nothing now stands between the Nationalist armies and the frontier save a few rearguards, and within a few hours General Franco’s troops are expected to make the first contact with France on the Catalan border, whence they will gradually squeeze the Republicans out of the remaining* Catalan territory down to the sea. Dr Negrin is still in Spain, but only by yards. He is now installed with other members of the Government in a house on the Spanish side of the main street of Leperthus, says the special Correspondent of the Mail on the scene. Dr Negrin admitted that events were now moving fast, but he declared he was determined to be the last Catalan to quit the country. DR NEGRIN CROSSES FRONT THE CLENCHED FIST SALUTE PERPIGNAN, Feb. 8. As a result of the rebel occupation of Figueras, Dr Negrin and his entire general staff have gone to France. The blowing up of the powder magazine at Figueras citadel broke up Dr Negrin’s conference with the general staff in a bombproof dungeon. The explosion wrecked nearby houses, and was heard 15 miles away. Dr Negrin and his party were welcomed at the frontier by French military officials, and accorded a guard of honour. Dr Negrin looked*, back as he crossed the border and gave the clenched fist salute. It is believed that if Dr Negrin, is unable to go to Valencia the initiative in the peace negotiations will pass to General Miapa. The rebels are expected to enter Puigcerda to-morrow. The garrison and civil authorities have gone to France. • , Twelve thousand republicans concentrated in meadows at Bourgmadame under a strong French guard. Thousands at Bourgmadame watched rebel aviators machinegunning the remnants of retreating divisions struggling toward the frontier. The batteries fired warnings when the planes flew near the border.

Two thousand Catalan soldiers have gone to Hendaye to join the Nationalists.