BIG OFFENSIVE PLAN IN SPAIN.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 270, 13 November 1937, Page 9

BIG OFFENSIVE PLAN IN SPAIN.

INSURGENT "PUSH."

Surprise Loyalist Attacks

Succeed.

'PLANES FLEW OVER FRANCE? United Press Association. —Copyright. (Received 1.30 p.m.) GIBRALTAR, November 12. A thousand Moors and 300 Italians landed at Algeciras from Ceuta. An insurgent mail ship immediately went to Malaga (rebel), where troops are reported to be massing for a surprise attack against Almeria (Loyalist).

Ten Government bombers, diving from an unexpected direction, made a surprise attack on Pamplona, in the northeast.' Many casualties resulted.

According to an Insurgent report, the bombers flew over French territory to avoid anti-aircraft guns and patrol 'planes on the Aragon front.

While the insurgents were resting before their great offensive, the Republicans made fierce surprise attacks in Aragon, and forced the enemy back. The latter rushed up Italian and Moorish reinforcements, whereupon the Loyalists retreated in orderly fashion. Later they reattacked and captured several hills.

More than 700,000 Spaniards will be locked together in a struggle to the death in General Franco's great offensive, expected to be launched at any moment. General Franco will personally direct his forces.

There is considerable activity along the whole line from the Pyrenees to Toledo. •

Loyalists are carrying out raids with bombers and mechanised units at Barcelona, while the troops at the front are entrenching themselves and fortifying their positions in an effort to survive the dark days which are looming.

The. . Government announces the appointment of a council to promote physical culture and sport throughout the Republic.

The Government emphatically denies that it is seeking an armistice.

A telegram from Paris states that Senor Juan March, General Franco's millionaire backer, is negotiating for the purchase of two Italian 1500-ton destroyers.