THE SPANISH REVOLT

Hokitika Guardian, 16 December 1930, Page 5

THE SPANISH REVOLT

REVOLUTION BLUFF. (United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. J (Received this day at 10.30 a.m.) MADRID, Dec. 15. Two military planes, flying over Madrid, dropped 'proclamations de* claririg that a revolution had broken out supported by the army. The authorities regard the leaflets as bluff. All is normal in Madrid, There is a well authenticated repoiff., however, that the air corps Ivan revolted. Martini law lm» been declared in the central regions. A rebel airman from ’Ouitro, Vientos, surrendered. The telephonic communication with Madrid has been broken. STRIKE ORDER FAILS. MADRID, Dec. 15. Though trade union leaders called a general strike throughout the country only 'Bilbao is at present affected. Madrid is normal, but the military guard at the King’s Palace has been doubled in strength. REVOLUTION CRASHED. (Received this day at, 1.30 p.m.) LONDON, December 15. Unofficial telegrams dealing with the Spanish revolt, chiefly from border towns naturally exaggerate the seriousness of the crisis. On the contrary, official messages claim the revolution is already practically crushed. The general strike is sporadic and the populace are standing by the Government. The ascertained facts are that following up the disastrous Jaco rising, a firebrand, Franco, flew to Madrid where he raised the standard of revolt to-day, at Cuentms, Vinoitos, just outsido the capital. The rebellion was preluded by six aeroplanes with red wings flying ovei Madrid in the early morning, dropping leaflets. When troops and workmen arrived at the aerodrome at eighjt o’clock the)found five hundred rebel officers ano soldiers in occupation. Thi?v announced a Republic had been declared and told the troops and workers they would be shot unless they joined the revolution. Most of the men joined and helped ‘the rebels to force the doors of the power house and loaded lorries with bombs and ammunition in readiness for an expected attack by loyalist troops from Madrid. Meanwhile the mutineers seized the Government wireless station near the aerodrome and sent out messages announcing to the world the proclamation of a Republic.