ITALIAN GAIN.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 68, 22 March 1938, Page 7

ITALIAN GAIN.

VICTORY IN SPAIN.

Black Shirts Claim Defeat

Of Loyalists.

AFTER FIERCE FIGHTING. United Press Association.—Copyright. (Received 1 p.m.) LOXDOX, March 21. The "Daily Telegraph" Rome correspondent states that the Italian command at General Franco's headquarters at Salamanca announces that two Black Shirt Italian divisions broke the Loyalist second line, clearing the territory between Gaspe and Ebro River along a four-mile front. The Italians opened their attack on Sunday and overcame the Loyalists' resistance after fierce hand-to-haud fighting. Information available at Barcelona indicates that there are GO,OOO Italian regulars in Spain, in addition to volunteers. Recent arrivals comprise 1000 on February 24 and 2100 on March 5. SENSE OF HORROR. Protests Against Rebel Air Bombings. APPEAL TO VATICAN. (Received 1.30 p.m.) LOXDOX, March 21. A message from Washington says that Mr. Cordell I.'utt, in a statement regarding bombing of civilian populations, taid: "I am speaking for the whole .American people when I voice the sense of horror at what occurred at Barcelona." He indicated, however, that he would not make a protest to General Franco. "The Times" says tlie British Xote to General Franco on the bombing of Barcelona leminds him that euch attacks are coi;rary to the principles of international law and to every dictate of humanity and public opinion. It is understood France has asked the Vatican to join in the appeal to end the bomb'ng of open towns. It is felt General Fonico may heed an appeal from the Vatican, because he rarely misses an opportunity of declaring his allegiance to the Roman Catholic Church. Go.-'innient fighters to-day brought down one and drove off two rebel aeroplanes. Xo bombs were dropped.

MINISTERS HECKLED. Both Sides in Spain Receiving Assistance. HARD TO FIND FACTS. (Received 11 a.m.) LONDON", March 21. In the House of Commons Mr. Xeville Chamberlain said information shows that the report of the landing of 30,000 Germans in Spain is false. Labour members heckled the Government about Italian and German intervention in Spain. Mr. R. A. Butler, Foreign Undersecretary, said that it was common knowledge that Uoth sides had received help. He refused to answer supplementary questions, saying it was difficult to get confirmation of every detail. Mr. Chamberlain said the British Government had kept the United States Government generally informed of its attitude on recent events in Europe.