REBELS BOMB LOYALISTS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 246, 30 July 1936, Page 5

REBELS BOMB LOYALISTS.

ENTRY INTO A SEAPORT.

TROOPS FLY FROM MOROCCO.

GOVERNMENT ’PLANES DESTROYED.

(United Press Association —Copyright.) (Received This Day, 11.20 a.m.) LONDON, July 29.

The day in Spain has been devoid of decisive activities, but full of prepaiations for resumption of hostilities on a large scale. The principal engagement was in the Astraid Guadarrama Range, where rebel artillery and loyalist aeroplanes took part in a thunderous conflict. Though hundreds were killed on either side, the opposing forces remain in a state of deadlock. The loyalists are estimated to number 50,000, and the rebels 40,000. General Mola’s aeroplanes, augmented by three triple-engined bombers from Seville, flew over the loyalist entrenchments and bombed the line of the Government troops’ advance between Madrid and Bnitrago in order to prevent reinforcements reaching the battle front.

The Catalonian loyalist expeditionary force destined; for Saragossa advanced its line, but the general assault awaits completion of the attackers disposi-

tions. “If all goes well, Seville will be the headquarters of the general staff of the insurgent forces,” declared General Franco, who returned to Tetuan after consultation with General de Llano, who, broadcasting from Seville, claimed that aeroplanes sent to Malaga destroyed several Government ’planes there.

General Franco added that the Moroccans are anxious to assist the workers by forming their own regiments under his officers. General Franco requests the British authorities at Gibraltar to keep clear of Spanish Government warships in the Straits, in order to avoid damage during an attack by his aircraft. Twenty three-engined Junkers and 20 Caproni bomber transport ’planes are expected next week in order to convey Moorish sharp-shooters and foreign legionaries across the Straits. The Seville wireless station reports that the seaport of Huelva, whose loyalist inhabitants were hastily preparing bombs to repel an unexpected attack was taken by the insurgents, who entered the Government offices and secured many prisoners and much munitions. They released Fascists from gaol- ... i Throughout the day activity prevailed among troop-carrying aeroplanes between Morocco and l Algericas. The Submarine 63 was sunk when it was bombed by rebel aeroplanes, but the C 4 was able to proceed to Tangier for repairs. General Franco has protested to the International Committee of Control against the use of Tangier, which is an international" port, by Government craft, vfhich make it the headquarters for harrying rebel shipping in the Straits.

The committee has accordingly constituted a commission, composed of foreign naval units in the harbour, to control the port, also to police the danger zone. Prince Carlos, brother-in-law of the Prince of Asturias, has left Cannes foi Gurcos, following the departure of the Prince of Asturias, aide-de-camp to the Yicomte de Rocamara, a week ago.