BITTEN OFF MORE THAN HE CAN CHEW?

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 285, 1 December 1936, Page 7

BITTEN OFF MORE THAN HE CAN CHEW?

FRANCO'S POSITION.

Loyalists Say, "Must Retreat Or Face Disaster." \ RUSSIANS TAKE CHARGE. United Press Association.—Copyright. (Received 2.30 p.m.) LONDON, November. 30. Evidence is accumulating that General Franco has bitten off more than he can chew, though it is generally agreed that the Loyalist newspaper, "El Socialista," is too optimistic in stating that he must retreat or face di master.

It is, however, correct iu stating that the enemy will be fully occupied north of Madrid and must defend Burgos to prevent the advance of Loyal forces on the northern front.

The only rebel success recorded is the capture of Pozuelo de Alarcon, a suburb a few miles west of University City., where an insurgent column was repulsed. Rebels took advantage of fine weather to bomb the outskirts of the capital from the air.

The "Time's" Madrid correspondent supplies details of the evacuation of the model prison a fortnight ago. He says that. 1200 women were taken to Asilo de San Rafael, and the men were distributed among the Alcala de Henares and elsewhere, but their fate is uncertain since it is known that only 19G of IGOO prisoners reached their destination.

Possibly some were taken to other prisons, but the discovery of two large collective graves strengthens the presumption that the majority were murdered in cold blood in two batches on November 7 and 8.

A Gibraltar message says a Russian general and 100 Russian officers arrived at Malaga and have taken over command of the Loyalist militia. Twenty triple-engined Russian aeroplanes are expected at the end of the week.