LOYALIST STEP.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 125, 30 May 1938, Page 7

LOYALIST STEP.

MOBILISATION NEARER Italian " Day of Solidarity " With Rebels. GERMANS IN AIR RAID. United Press Association.—Copyright. (•Received 1.30 p.m.) LONDON, May 29. Dr. Juan Negrin, Spanish Prime Minister, has taken a step nearer general mobilisation desired by most organisations, by calling up all ablebodied men between the ages of 32 and 33, says a Madrid message. A "day of solidarity with Nationalist Spain," was celebrated throughout Italy, says a Rome message. There were speeches and ceremonies in praise of Italo-Spanish friendship. Signor Mussolini sent a message to General Franco emphasising Italian affection for the Spanish Nationalists, who are "victoriously reaffirming their historic mission." Eight insurgent aeroplanes dropped two lots of bombs iii six minutes in an early morning raid, says a message from Barcelona. They were driven off by anti-aircraft guns. The casualties are not known.

German aeroplanes bombed the city of Valencia. Twelve persons were killed and 30 wounded.

The British steamer Greatend, of 1495 tons, was sunk in the harbour. The Greatend, which arrived on Friday, was attacked in an air raid the same day and seriously damaged. She is owned by the Ne'wbegin Steam Shipping Company, Limited, of Newcastle.

The Spanish Government has sent a Note to Britain pointing out that in conformity with the request of Britain and France its aircraft have not bombed open towns, but nevertheless the bombardment of Alicante by the rebels had elicited not a single public word of condemnation. The . Spanish Government therefore felt obliged to request from Britain a concrete statement on the negotiations which Britain and France initiated in February to prevent the air bombing of open cities, and also asked whether Britain intended to initiate measures to prevent the repetition of such crimes. A similar Note has been delivered to France. KILLED IN ACTION. REBEL GENERAL'S DEATH. BARCELONA, May 2!). It is reported that General Troneoso, who was arrested by French authorities last September near the Spanish border on suspicion of having instigated an attempt to seize a Spanish Government submarine at Brest, and was imprisoned for six months, has been killed in action commanding a brigade against the Loyalists.