MADRID BOMBED.

Wairarapa Age, 9 October 1936, Page 5

MADRID BOMBED.

HEAVY ATTACK BY REBEL ’PLANES. SIGNS OF PANIC REPORTED. GAINS MADE. BY INSURGENT TROOPS. LONDON, October 7. A few hours after a warning by means of leaflets had been dropped from the air to the effect that the city would be bombed without mercy if it did not surrender, insurgent aeroplanes heavily bombed Madrid. A message from Burgos states that the occupants of 30 machines which were employed against the railway lines, the aerodrome, and the barracks saw signs of panic and declare that evacuation has begun. The insurgents’ thrust towards Madrid has been facilitated by the capture of Fuentiduena, Portillo, and Santa Cruz de Retamar. The struggle for the last-named place was very fierce and was preceded by an intensive aerial action. A message from Talavera states that 300 Government troops were killed in the fighting for Santa Cruz de Retamar. Navalcarnero is the next and last strong point between this front and Madrid. FRANCO’S PLANS. SIX ARMIES CONVERGING ON CAPITAL. ONE WAY OF ESCAPE LEFT OPEN. (Received Thursday, 7.30 p.m.) LONDON, October 7. The “Daily Telegraph’s” Talavera correspondent says General Franco, who has six armies converging on Madrid, intends to leave open one way of escape from the capital to Valencia. Most of the insurgent officers have families tn Madrid and therefore wish to

spare it if possible. General Franco’s forces now total 150,000, compared with the Governments 800,000, but the latter occupy a strong defensive position and are well supplied with artillery and ammunition. The battle for the capital may last for a month. EARLIER THREAT. THOUSANDS OF LEAFLETS DROPPED. LONDON, October 7. Insurgent aeroplanes dropped thousands of leaflets on Madrid issuing an ultimatum of a terrific air attack if the capital does not Surrender.' The “Daily Telegraph’s” diplomatic correspondent says that although there has been no advance, the troops of the rebel leader, General Franco, have begun the push to Madrid by an all-day air attack in the Santa Cruz sector. Bombs have been showered on an eight-mile front, and an early advance is expected. The battle for Navalperal, 40 miles west of Madrid,,continues with unabated fury. The rebels, despite heavy losses and repeated repulses, continue to hurl themselves against the deadly artillery of the loyalists. A fierce battle is also continuing at Oviedo, where the Government troops are redoubling their efforts to capture the city. Government troops who were taken prisoner at Toledo are now assisting to clear the ruins of the alcazar and the adjoining streets. NON-INTEBVENTION. BUSSIA & ITALY AT ODDS. (Received Thursday, 7.30 p.m.) LONDON, October 7. The Foreign Office has received a notification of the Russian attitude regarding the Non-Intervention Committee on the lines cabled from Moscow. A Rome message states that the Soviet’s move is described as unjustifiable. As far as Italy is concerned there has been no violation of the embargo since the decree was issued. It is suggested that the Soviet is beginning to doubt the success of the Red cause on which it counted.

SOVIET ACTION.

THREATENED ABANDONMENT OF NON-INTERVENTION. IF VIOLATION OF AGREEMENT IS NOT PREVENTED. (Received Thursday, 11.0 p.m.) LONDON, October 8. A Russian note threatening to withdraw from the Spanish nonintervention pact if immediate measures are not taken to prevent its violation, was delivered by M. Kagan, Soviet Charge d’Affaires, London, to the London Committee, which will consider it to-morrow. The note specifically accuses Italy, Germany and Portugal of supplying war material to the insurgents, thereby making the non-intorven-tion agreement practically nonexistent. It adds: “The Soviet Government can in no circumstances agree to transform a non-intervention agreement into a screen for sheltering military aid to the insurgents by other parties to, the agreement against the lawful Spanish Government. The Soviet Government, therefore, is compelled to declare that if the violation of (he agreement is not immediate!} discontinued it will consider itself released ftom nil obligations under it.” The “News Chronicle” says Russia’s move is more drastic than had been expected. The German, Italian and Portuguese representatives on the Lonflon Committee will probably demand time to communicate with their governments, but, it is stated, the Soviet will not tolerate delaying tactics. It is even asserted that she may follow up her decision without delay by coming out openly in support of the Madrid Government.