Madrid, July 28.
Nationalist forces to-day directed an artillery bombardment against Madrid. Casualties could not be immediately determined.
Between two and three thousand Republicans of the "lost brigade" at Quijourna, fought hunger and thirst in addition to Nationalist troops, it was learned to-day, hoping for the arrival of a relief column from Valde Morillo.
Republicans held rin at Villa Nueva de la Canada, and Nationalist efforts appeared to be slightly slackening.
A Government communique admitted there had been a small retreat between Brunete/and Villa Nueva de la Canada but indicated retirement was planned to obtain stronger defensive positions Republican hospital authorities said that since the of the big battle in the Sierra zone on July 6, both sides suffered more than 50,000 casualties. It was reported here, though without confirmation, that a plot had been uncovered in Seville, Andalusian-Nationalist base, to poison Gen. Gonzalo Quiepo de Llano, the Nationalist broadcasting general, and that three doctors were shot by fung squads after being implicated in the conspiracy.
An official announcement to-day said Republicans shot down a German Junkers bombing aeroplane in flames after a battle at Las Matas, and that three members of the crew had been captured. One was killed and another was missing—United Press.
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