ITALIAN TANKS GAIN MALAGA SUCCESS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 34, 10 February 1937, Page 7

ITALIAN TANKS GAIN MALAGA SUCCESS.

ORDERLY RETREAT.

loyalist Account Refutes

Rebel Reports.

"EXECUTION OF MARXISTS."

United Press Association.—Copyright.

(Received 10.30 a.m.) LONDON, February 9,

Though rebel communiques claim that the inhabitants of Malaga welcomed the troops to the city with enthusiasm, independent reports suggest that known sympathisers of the Government have little occasion for rejoicing. A rebel bulletin announces: "All condemned Marxists will be executed immediately." Moors and other rebel soldiery looted houses and are reported to have killed many occupants. Evidence of how the Government forces retired conflicts with the first reports, which came from rebel sources. Subsequent dispatches state that the Government, realising that the position was hopeless, ordered the retreat from Malaga, which was carried out in good order. Troops, with the bulk of the war mater a,s, moved to their new positions, where reinforcements will help them to bar further advance. Rebels are jubilant at their success. General Mola declares that the fall of Malaga is the beginning of the end.

Opinion in diplomatic circles in Paris m that Italian support greatly contributed to the rebels' success. French Press reports suggest that not only were the rebels assisted by 20,000 Italian troops covered by 22 batteries of heavy artillery, but during the last stages oT the fighting over 100 Italian tanks were thrown into the conflict.

The Government authorities allege that the insurgents' attack was carried out by 20,000 Italians and several thousand Germans directed by the German staff on board the Graf Spee. They also allege that the insurgents employed 100 Italian tanks in the final phase of the advance. The "Daily Telegraph" corresponderit in the southern sector of Madrid says the insurgents continued to advance in the direction of the main MadridValencia road, which they are aiming to cut. It is reported that the insurgents' •raisers Canarias and Baleareas captured a steamer in which Government leaders and heads of Communist committees were attempting to escape. A message from Gibraltar says it is reported there that the Government leaders captured included General Kleber, the Russian officer who recently arrived to command the defences.

The insurgents announce that "condemned Reds" will be executed instantly.

INSURGENTS feLATED. Garrison of 40,000 Men Said to Be Demoralised. HUNDREDS OF DEAD. LONDON, February 9. Dispatches from Spain state that the insurgents have become masters of Malaga— the last stronghold of the Spanish Government' in the south-east and important as a potential naval base. Nine columns, some of which were mechanised and all equipped with the most modern armament, converged in an attack on the town. According to repc/ts from the insurgents, the garrison of 40,000 men could not withstand the combined thrust and eventually became completely demoralised. Panic spread among the leaders of Government forces and the Red Unions. Many of the defenders flung down their rifles and fled. , One account relates that as the militia fled 1000 women, carrying children, dashed out to greet the insurgents and thanked them for bringing "freedom from the Marxist hell." These women declared they had not eaten for days. It is alleged that a mob attempted to set fire to a ship, in which were imprisoned 000 hostages and suspects, b "t the advancing troops succeeded in «aving the vessel and in liberating the prisoners, many of whom were sons of professional and business men and landowners in Malaga. A broadcast statement by the insurgents says hundreds of dead and wounded were found in the streets of the town as the Government forces Were completely out of hand and pillaged and burned, besides murdering hostages and prisoners. General Dellano claims that the insurgents are pursuing the enemy, who are Jeeinp; along all roads, also by the cliffs to Motril and Almeria.