FORMAL SURRENDER OF SANTANDER

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 189, 27 August 1937, Page 5

FORMAL SURRENDER OF SANTANDER

i— Press Assn '•

46,000 Loyalists Reported to Have Yielded WARSHIPS STEAL AWAY

(By Tehsra.Dfi

— Copyright. l

(Eeceived 27, 11.30 a.m.) SANTANDER, Aug. 26. Three delegates from Santander, including the leader of the Government shock troops, were led blindfolded tlirough tho insurgent lines after dawn and formally surrendered the city. This action followed a quiet night during which the insuvgents guns were trained on the city. The insurgent generals demanded 100 hostages in token of good faith. The delegates returned to the city, and soon afterwards the Government troops were seen abandoning their positions preparatory to surrender. The insurgent forces then closed in to occupy the city. Tanlrs and armoured cars were soon rumbling through the streets. General Franco accompanied his troops on their entry into Santander. It is claimed that 46,000 loyalists virtually surrendered. Gijon is the next objeetive. The Government warships Dia, Ciscar and Aleo and three submarines are reported to have fled from Santander last night. Their destination is unknown. Not a shot was fired as the troops, preceded by hands, marched in. Thousands of njilitiamen who a few hours previously had been fighting in |the Government ranks lined the streets, giving $ie Nationalist salute. Many still carried xifles and revolvers. Trams. were abandoned, and all hotels, shops and cafes were closed. A message from Bayonne says that refugees from Santander continue to pour into ports on the French-Basque coast. Thirty-two fishing boats brought 2500 refugees from Lapallice. from which place many more crowded trawlers have been sighted. Pcnding orders from the French Government, the local authorities are sending food aboard and are not allowing the refugees to land, oue exception being a woman who gave birth to ,a child during the journey.