A more spectacular movement developed on Monday, when Major Franco
and other officers launched a revolt from the Cuatro Vientos aerodrome just outside Madrid. They began sending wireless messages proclaiming a Republic, and aeroplanes circled overhead dropping leaflets with a similar message. Some of the leaflets fell in the garden of the Royal Palace and one was handed to the King. Reports of general strikes induced the Government to proclaim martial law in all the chief towns. The. rebellion was thus checked. The rebel leaders themselves were apparently deeply discouraged when the Labour elements blamed the Army and the Army blamed Labour. A few shells fired by loyal Army units soon disposed of the Air Force rebellion. Major Franco and other leaders escaped in their fast Government aeroplanes, and arc now political refugees on parole at Mafra in Portugal. Barcelona is noticeably calm. The canny Catalans are determined this time not to pull the chestnuts out of the fire,
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