REBEL FEROCITY

Wairarapa Daily Times, 18 August 1936, Page 5

REBEL FEROCITY

WHOLESALE MASSACRES HORRORS OF SPANISH REVOLT. Press Association Electric Telegraph Copyright LISBON, Monday. Journalists who visited the ruined city of Badajoz report that Moorish troops are continuing to massacre Government supporters. An officer of Colonel Yague’s staff confirmed that 2000 had already been executed and their corpses burnt in huge fires to avoid waste of time. Hundreds are still being brought before the military tribunals. If the right shoulder shows a bruise, supposedly caused by firing a rifle, they are ordered to be shot out of hand. “The Times” special correspondent states that in the older parts of the town prisoners were placed against a wall and shot in batches. The pavement near the rebel headquarters ran with blood—ghastly pools in which lay caps, torn papers and the small belongings of those massacred. Hundreds of terrified people took refuge in the Cathedral. Two militiamen found there were shot dead on the steps of the altar, and the streets are full of dead bodies. “It is a splendid victory,” said Colonel Yague. REBELLION BEHIND LINES. LONDON, Monday. The “Daily Herald’s” Gibraltar correspondent says General Franco’s forces are now facing rebellion behind their lines. Loyalists revolted at Castella against the militarists and seized the town for the Government. A similar situation has arisen in. Ronda. A REBEL VICTORY. BADAJOZ, Monday. In order to clear the Merida-Caceres Road, a column of legionaries and Moors made a forced march to Merida, where they are reported to have overcome a column of loyalists about to march .to Badajoz to avenge their comrades’ deaths. FRENCH MINISTER’S HOPE. THAT LOYALISTS WILL WIN. LONDON, Monday. The “Daily Mail’s” Paris correspondent says M. Solengro, Minister of the Interior, speaking at Lille, said he hoped the Spanish loyalists would win. He added: “I am measuring my words. I wish the legal Government of a sister nation to triumph as speedily as possible. The day will come when our Red brothers in Germany and Austria will regain their liberty.” NEUTRALITY PROPOSAL. LONDON, Monday. The “Morning Post’s” diplomatic .correspondent says that the Government is considering what further steps may be taken to prevent British subjects assisting either side in Spain, particularly by supplying aircraft. The Paris correspondent of “The Times” says that Britain’s formal adhesion to the French neutrality proposal has caused immense satisfaction. It is felt that the next 48 hours will show whether international agreement is possible. HYSTERICAL REPORTS. (Received Tuesday, 9.30 a.m.) MADRID, Monday. The British colony in Madrid, after discussing reports of alleged Government atrocities, telegraphed to Mr Anthony Eden an “indignant protest against, hysterical reports.” BRITISH LABOUR REQUEST. (Received Tuesday, 9.15 a.m.) LONDON, Monday. The Aircraft Shop Stewards’ National Council requested the Secretary of State for Air to take immediate steps to prevent the sale of British aircraft to the rebels, while giving the Government every facility to acquire planes of all types. The. Council adds that if further aircraft were sent to the rebels the Council will decide what steps to take to prevent a recurrence. The Council also demands the reassembly of Parliament to discuss the Spanish situation. LOYALISTS ADVANCING. OX THE SARAGOSSA FRONT. (Received Tuesday, 9.50 a.m.) MADRID, Monday. General Fanjul and Colonel Quintana, who admitted having participated in the rebellion as leaders, have been executed. The Government forces are reported to be advancing everywhere on the Saragossa front. The Government announces that it has captured Gijon.

NOT THE SUCCESS CLAIMED. (Received Tuesday, 9.50 a.m.) LONDON, Monday. Reports received in London suggest that the attack on Majorca was not the success the Government claims. Some 500 Government troops are reported to have been killed and 250 captured.