GREAT LOYALIST DRIVE IN SPAIN.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 48, 26 February 1937, Page 7

GREAT LOYALIST DRIVE IN SPAIN.

BID FOR VICTORY.

Stimulus for Morale of Troops Required. LOSING THOUSANDS OF LIVES. United Press Association.—Copyright. (Received 10.30 a.m.) MADRID, February 25. There seems no doubt that the Spanish Government offensive, which is the biggest since the revolt and is costing thousands of lives, is aimed at an outstanding victory to raise the morale of the troops.

The Government realises that the war cannot be won if it remains on the defensive. Masses of men, tanks and armoured cars are being thrown into the attack regardless of loss.

The Talavera correspondent of "The Times" states that 500 British volunteers in the Saklatvala "Battalion, according to statements made by surviving prisoners, were sent to the front after perfunctory drill and rifle practice. Two hundred were killed, 200 were wounded and 40 were captured.

An additional 500 men remained at the base at Madrigueras or were sent to.the trenches.

; .The survivors complain of indiscipline and drunkenness on the part of comrades, also of bad food and illtreatment. They declare they are better off as prisoners.

TO GUARD FRONTIER.

DUTCH TROOPS' MISSION.

(Received 2 p.m.) PARIS, February 25. Announcement that Dutch troops would probably control the FrenchSpanish frontier under the Powers' nonintervention plan was made by the Foreign Minister, M. Delbos. IRISHMAN KILLED. DAIL AND NON-INTERVENTION. DUBLIN, February 25. I lie 'Trish Press" announces the death in action in Spain of Daniel Chute, a member of the Irish Brigade. William who was reported to have been killed, is now known to have been wounded and sent to hospital.

During a debate on the Non-inter-vention Bill yesterday every seat in the Dail was crowded, numbers of priests occupying the gallery. The closure was applied to secure speedy treatment for the measure, and it passed its final stage by 77 votes to 50.