STERN DEFENCE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 57, Issue 28, 12 November 1936, Page 5

STERN DEFENCE

PEOPLE OF MADRID JUBILANT. CHECKS TO REBEL ADVANCE. AIR SUPREMACY CHALLENGED. (United Press Association —Copyright.) (Received This Day, 9.40 a.m.) LONDON, November 11. A lull in the artillery fire on tho central Spanish front seems to presage a slight withdrawal by the besiegers, who are definitely, on the defensive, or preparation for launching an attack by the Government. The peoplb of Madrid are jubilant owing to the recapture of lower Carabanchel by the loyalists and the success of the “Victory Column” in holding up the insurgent advance, and the access to aircraft which are definitely threatening the rebels’ aerial supremacy. Though it is too early to prophesy the turn of tho tide, the Government, owing to substantial reinforcements of men and arms, particularly from Barcelona, may shortly take the offensive. MILITIA STANDS FAST. AMID SHELLING AND AIR RAIDS. REINFORCEMENTS ARRIVING. (United Press Association—Copyright.) LONDON, November 10. Madrid messages report that shelling and air raids continue, but Madrid’s militia still stands fast. The Government forces claim that there are no signs of demoralisation or panic. It is reported that 15,000 well-armed Catalan reinforcements have arrived, and that more are on the way from Barcelona. Twenty were killed and 45 wounded in an air raid to-night. WILL JOIN THE LOYALISTS. MR McGOVERN’S DECISION. LONDON, November 11. Mr J. McGovern, Independent La. hour member of the House of Commons for Shettleston (Glasgow), has announced that he is going to Spain on November 10, to “attach himself to the Spanish Government forces.” MEDICAL UNIT FOR SPAIN. PROPOSALS AT DUNEDIN. DUNEDIN, November 11. A public meeting was held to-night to consider steps lo he taken to send medical assistance to tlie distressed areas in Spain. The following resolution was carried: — “That a provisional medical committee be appointed to invite the assistance of the St. John Ambulance Association, the Red Cross Society, the Medical Students’ Association and individual medical men of the city to explore the possibilities of sending a medical unit to Spain.” The following were appointed a committee: Dr D. G. McMillan, M.P., Archdeacon Whitehead, Professor Ramsay, Mr H. H. Forgusson, Mr A. Dunningham, Mr J. Ash, Mr J. White and, Mr A.' Maclure.