THE CHINA MAIL, JUNE 15, 1937.
FALL OF BILBAO DENIED. But Insurgent Forces Carry Battle To City's Edge
Streets Littered With Dead And Wounded
(SPECIAL TO “CHINA MAIL”)
London, To-day.
A sensational report was carried by the "Evening Standard" last night, though no confirmation can be obtained, that Bilbao has definitely surrendered to General Franco.
The paper, whose despatch was sent from St. Jean de Luz, says that negotiations for surrender of the Basque capital had been continuing for several days between General Franco and "certain persons acting with full authority of the Basque Defence Committee."
GENERAL FRANCO, THE REPORT DECLARES, DECLAR- ED IN THE COURSE OF THE 'NEGOTIATIONS THAT HE WAS PREPARED TO GRANT QUARTER TO ALL BASQUE MILITIA- MEN ON CONDITION THAT ALL AGITATORS WERE COURT- MARTIALLED.
The paper further alleged that the seat of the Basque Govern- ment has been transferred from Bilbao to Santander, thus indi- con- all plans of cating that tinued resistance to the insur- gents have been abandoned.
A report from Paris, how- ever, states that the Basque Cabinet, in a sitting which lasted all day till 3 o'clock. yesterday afternoon, announced its intention of defending Bil- bao at all costs.
From San Sebastian come reports stating that the insurgents yester- day captured several blocks of build- ings in Begona in stubborn street fighting.
Begona links up with the south- eastern suburbs of Bilbao.
It is also stated that strong forces of Basque militiamen are retreating on the main road leading from Bil- bao to Santander. Trans-Ocean.
RUMOURS SPREAD
Flight Of Ministers
Disproved
Paris, To-day. A message from Spain states that the Basque Government met in Bilbao yesterday after- noon, thus dispelling, rumours that the Ministers had fled. This is confirmed by a Basque press bureau communique, says a report from Bayonne.
The communique announces that the Bilbao Ministers held a Cabinet council yesterday and decided un- animously to remain in Bilbao to organise the defence of the city.
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machine-gun ammunition into the crowds in the streets run- ning for refuge. The streets are littered with the dead and dying victims of the attack. The Bilbao radio station was silent yesterday.
A new picture of President Aguirre, head of the Basque State, who has issued a "Back To The Wall" appeal for the defence of Bilbao.
Plight Of Spanish Women Prisoners
London, To-day.
His Majesty's Government are prepared to consider approaching the Spanish-Government with a view to arranging the evacuation from Spain of the women imprison- ed in. Madridur dala za ten pat
This statement was made by the Foreign Secretary in the Commons, replying to a member who question- ed him on the numbers and condi- tions of the women incarcerated in San Rafael and Carcel de las Ven- tas Prisons-British Wireless. assist- British statesman for such ance before the large-scale bom- gains the impression that the town bardment of the city threatened by has already been evacuated. Motor-
the insurgents.-Reuter.
FRANCO'S TROOPS ON OUTSKIRTS
To Consolidate Before Next Move
ised units of General Franco's forces have advanced along the delta of the Nerviro river to the outer part of Bilbao and are now less than one mile from Las Arenas. DEMONSTRATIONS ALLEGED General Franco paid an unexpect- ed visit to the insurgent troops advancing on Bilbao yesterday, says a communique.
Durango, To-day. The communique adds that vio- Reports in London papers that lent demonstrations took place in Bilbao is already in General Fran- Bilbao itself, agitators demanding co's hands, are stated to be untrue.evacuation of the city and others The real position at the moment, is pressing for surrender to the rebels. A message from Madrid says that that General Franco's troops have The "iron ring" round Bilbao, it General Miaja, the Commander-in-advanced to the outskirts of the is claimed, has been reduced to Chief, has ordered the immediate town, but will not made further ruins by constant artillery fire and evacuation of the whole civil advances until their positions are air bombing. population of Madrid in batches.
consolidated, although Bilbao now. Three French steamers that at- First will go refugees from the lies virtually under complete domina-tempted to run into Bilbao with a provinces, then those living in the tion of the insurgent troops.
cargo of foodstuffs, were compelled Reports state that Radio Bilbao, to leave the harbour again, as the metropolis and lastly the suburban-
has closed down. Looking down on bombardment that was carried out lites.
of the town the town from points of vantage by General Franco occupied by General Franco's made a stay too perilous.-Trans- troops, says a correspondent, one Ocean.
NAVAL LANDING
PARTY
To Rescue The British Consul
In St. Jean de Luz, the French summer resort, it is understood that a landing party from H.M.S. Kempenfield went ashore at Bilbao at 6 o'clock yesterday evening to bring out the British Consul, Mr. Stevenson.
Wireless communication between the Consul and the warship was interrupted and the destroyer H.M.S. Boreas, now in Santander, it is understood, will take off the Consul and other British subjects in Bilbao-Reuter.
EVACUATION OF
CIVILIANS ·
Over 20,000 Moved During The Night
A message from Bilbao stated that 20,000 women and children and men over, military age were being evacuated last night to Santander in lorries by land and a fleet of merchantmen, mine-sweepers, traw-
lers and fishing boats by sea.
THE AIR TERROR
Streets Littered With Dead And Wounded
The protection of the British Insurgent pressure on the doom- Navy has been granted to the re- ed capital continues and planes fugee ships by a special gesture on yesterday bombed the city almost the part of the British Government continuously.
in response to an appeal by Presi- dent Aguirre to the Foreign Secre- tary, Mr. Anthony Eden.
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Swooping down over the house-tops, the rebel aviators poured hundreds of rounds of
Senor Aguirre's appeal asked the
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