IN GRAVE PERIL

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20281, 25 August 1937, Page 8

IN GRAVE PERIL

HOSTAGES IN SPAIN BASQUE GOVERNMENT MEMBERS DANGER FROM EXTREMISTS United Press Assn.—Elec. Te!. Copyright. (Received August 25, 3.15 p.m.) ST. JEAN DE LUZ, August 24 The British destroyer Keith left for Santander to endeavour to plc.k up members of the Basque Government, Including President Aguirre, also 17 Nationalist hostages, who were taken to Santander when Bilbao fell, and any remaining British subjects. The British Embassy at Hendaje was planning to rescue the Britons when it received an appeal from tile Salamanca Government to assist in rescuing hostages, whom the Basques had finally agreed to release. They had been held because of their important connections with insurgent Spain. The hostages are now considered to be in grave peril, the Basques admitting that it no longer possible to protect them from the extremist elements. The Embassy agreed, but notified that it would also take off Basque guards and the remaining members of the Government.

President Aguirre and others immediately signified their desire to take advantage of the opportunity to leave.

ADVANCE ON SANTANDER

REBELS WITHIN TEN MILES MINISTER CONDEMNED TO DEATH ST. JEAN DE LUZ, Aug. 24 The Insurgent advance on Santander is continuing on all sectors. The Black Flame Brigade has reached Santa Mandecaya, only 10 miles away. A radio message from Bilbao says the Junta at Santander has sent a message to General Solchaga, insurgent commander, seeking an armistice. The insurgents condemned to death Manuel Castro, former Minister of -Industry in the Basque Government and several officers of the Basque Army.