AFTER MONTH’S CONFLICT.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 263, 19 August 1936, Page 5

AFTER MONTH’S CONFLICT.

THE TERRITORIAL POSITION ATTACK ON SARAGOSSA. LONDON, August 17. After a month’s conflict the rebels hold portion of the Basque provinces, old Castille, Estremadura, and portion of Andalusia, besides the entire western section of Spain paralleling the Portugese border, the Baliaries, except Iviza, Ormentera, and all Spanish Morocca, with which the small West Africa settlement of Isri has now thrown in its lot. The Government controlls Madrid, the Mediterranean coast from tho Pyrenees to Malaga and all the main Atlantic ports, on the northern coast. No further strategic or tactical successes have been reported on either side. Both Loyalists and Rebels are manoeuvring for positions, following the fall of Badajoz and the diversion of attention to the San Sebastian and Baliaric Islands areas. The result of the Government invasion, of Majorica under Captain Bayo, the victor at Iviza, is still uncertain, despite its effective beginning. Both sides claim success. The Government troops, who hold their ground, are believed to be resuming the attack after a temporary check. The reported capture of the Government naval base at Cartagena by the Rebels remains unconfirmed.

The Loyalist “Iron Column” is marching north-west from Valencia, supported by artillery, to aid in the onslaught on Saragossa, the most powerful rebel stronghold in Spain. The leader announces minor successes around Termel. Activities have been resumed in the Guadarraina section, where the Loyalists fell into an ambush at Atrenza and retirel to Guadalajara.

DEMAND FOR TRUCE IN SPAIN Mr G. LANSBURY’S APPEAL. LONDON, August 17. The ex-leader of the Labour Opposition, Mr George Lansbury, in a letter to “The Times,” urges that Parliament should meet to protest, in the name of the whole British people, against the invasion of a friendly nation by armies of aliens paid and equipped from outside. He adds that silence of the Government National leaders on the subject is appalling. He appeals to “The Times” to join in leading a great campaign to evoke the declaration that Britons are prepared to launch a movement demanding a truce in Spain, in order to make the people’s wishes known.