FIGUERAS FALLS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 34, 10 February 1939, Page 7

FIGUERAS FALLS

CITADEL BLOWN UP TERRIFIC EXPLOSION LONDON, Feb. 8. A Perpignan message states that as a result of the occupation of Figueras by the rebels, Dr. Negrin and the entire general staff have gone to France. The blowing up of a powder magazine in the Figueras Citadel broke up a conference which Dr. Negrin had had with the general staff in a bomb-proof dungeon throughout the day. The explosion wrecked nearby houses and was heard fifteen m:':s away. Dr. Negrin and his colleagues were welcomed at the frontier by French military officials and accorded a guard of honour. Dr. Negrin looked back as he crossed the border and gave the clenched-fist salute. It is believed that if Dr. Negrin is unable to go to Valencia the initiative for the peace negotiations will pass to General Miaja. The rebels are expected to enter Puig Cerda on February 9. The garrison and the civil authorities have gone to France. Twelve thousand republicans are concentrated in the meadows at Bourg Madame under a strong French guard. Thousands at Bourg Madame watched rebel aviators machine-gunning remnants of the retreatingn divisions who were struggling to the frontier. French batteries fired a warning when the planes came near the border. It is reported from Salamanca that the nationalists, in a final effort to overwhelm Catalonia, captured forty villages and advanced eighteen miles Appeal to Basques. A Burgos message states that General Franco appealed' to all Basques in France to return to Spain. He promised them freedom cf religion and language, and economic and social benefits. FRANCO FRIENDLY ATTITUDE TO FRANCE. M. BERARD'S MISSION. Received Feb. 9, 5.5 p.m. LONDON, Feb. 8. The Paris correspondent of the Daily Telegraph says that Senator Leon Berard, after making a visit to Burgos on behalf of the Government, reported to M. Bonnet that General Franco displayed the utmost cordiality toward France. General Franco requested France to recognise the Burgos Government and to appoint an Amba-sa-'or. Although members of the Government are sympathetic this is impossible while the Republican Government exists. Senate*;' Berard might be appointed French aeent i at Burgos as a compromise.