EVACUATION OF MADRID

Southland Times, Issue 23227, 16 June 1937, Page 5

EVACUATION OF MADRID

Warning Of Rebel Assault ALL CIVILIANS ORDERED TO LEAVE (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright) LONDON, June 14. Surprising news comes from Madrid. The commander of the defending forces (General Miaja) is reported to have ordered the immediate evacuation of the civil population in three batches: first, persons from the provinces occupied by the insurgents; secondly, those from the province of Madrid; thirdly, those from the suburbs. , , This can be explained only by the news that an insurgent airman today dropped a long proclamation on the Guadarrama front, giving warning that a last assault'on the capital is imminent. “The capture of Malaga was the work of a few days, that of Madrid will be the same,” declared the proclamation. Commenting on the agreement for assuring the safety of naval patrol ships in Spanish waters. The Times says: It is to be hoped the two parties in Spam will give without delay the assurances required, thus enabling Germany and Italy to resume their place in the natrol and in the Non-Intervention Committee. It is important that every obstacle to the smooth working of the control scheme should be removed as soon as possible, leaving the way clear for a serious effort to arrange for the withdrawal from Spain of foreign combatants, whose continued presence can only prolong and embitter the conflict. The German and Italian Governments regard the assurances as a necessary part of the guarantees they require and will presumably await receipt of satisfactory answers before returning to full participation in the work of the Non-Intervention CommitThe Foreign Secretary (Mr R. A. Eden), in reply to a question in the House of Commons said the question of modifying or improving the system of the naval patrol of Spain would have to be carefully considered by the NonIntervention Committee as soon as it was able to resume deliberations. . The naval Powers concerned were giving careful thought to all aspects of the situations. Britain was prepared to consider approaching the Spanish Government with a view to arranging for the evacuation from Spain of women imprisoned in Madrid, said the Foreign Secretary, answering a question about the number and conditions of women incarcerated in the San Rafael and Carcel de Las Ventas prisons.