LITTLE CHANGE REPORTED

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21857, 10 August 1936, Page 11

LITTLE CHANGE REPORTED

RUTHLESS FIGHTING IN

SPANISH WAR

PROTESTS BY BRITAIN AND

GERMANY

LONDON, August 7

Messages from Spain indicate that, apart from the bombardment of Algeciras, there is little change in the situation.

The Madrid correspondent of The Times” states that both sides are resting in their positions in the Guadarrama sector, though a fierce ai tillery duel is in progress. General Mola claims that he has advanced sufficiently close to Madnd to see white flags on a number of houses. The Government is preparing foi all eventualities. Lights must be extinguished aflO p.m., and wheeled traffic is prohibted. . , Though the Prime Minister insists that the measures are purely precautionary, fighting is becoming increasingly bitter. In addition thousands killed on both sides, the long, ghastly roll of murder is increasing. Armed militiamen drive to houses and shoot down the victims without compunction. The insurgents treat Government sympathisers with equal ruthlessnGThe Government has announced that it occupied Pina Deebro, 50 ; miles from Saragossa. The rebels claim that they have captured Merida, an important cattle and commercial centre, and announce that General Franco, accompanied by the general staff, has arrived at Seville. The battleship Espana, of the same type as the Jaime Primeiro, and the 10,000-ton cruiser Canaries are preparing to fight on the side of the rebels. Consulates Damaged The Government warship Jaime Primeiro, which is almost stationary opposite Algeciras, firing seldom, has obviously been hit, probably below the waterline, as the pumps are discharging much water. The cruiser Eduardo d’Ato is blazing firecely and apparently sinking. Three cruisers are bombarding Ceuta. A later report was that the cruiser is still afloat.

It is reported from Gibraltar that the Jaime Primeiro disabled all the fortifications at Algeciras. It was later stated that the report that the Jaime Primeiro was hit was unfounded. 1

A shell from the Jaime Primeiro hit the British Consulate at Algeciras and smashed all the windows facing the sea. Flying debris scratched the Vice-Consul’s wife.

The Argentine Consulate was damaged by the vibration of the guns. Twelve-inch shells severely damaged many buildings. An aeroplane of unknown nationality bombed the French steamer Roubaisien five miles off Gibraltar. Three bombs fell within 230 yards of hex.

The German Embassy at Madrid reiterated to the Government a protest at the shooting of German subjects, demanding compensation. British Protest British authorities at Gibraltar protested against insurgent aeroplanes firing at H.M.S. Basilisk and also asked the Government to keep the warships clear of Gibraltar. If the situation does not improve suitable steps will be taken. A number of fires are visible on the hillsides of Algeciras, and it is thought possible that the flames may reach the ammunition dumps. It is reported from Hendaye that, after a 24 hours’ bombardment of Gijon by the rebel warship Almiranto Cervera the town is in flames and practically destroyed. The fate of 2500 rebel prisoners there is unknown.

The Spanish Government believes that the failure of the rebels to launch an effective offensive in the south is due to lack of petrol. Therefore, the Government is making extensive preparations to capture the Balearic Islands, for Palma holds large supplies of petrol, oil, and a huge ammunition depot. It is officially stated that 11 seaplanes, three submarines, and a converted trans-Atlantic liner will operate against the islands, and 13,500 men are being enlisted for the campaign.

Two seaplanes dropped ultimatums at Majorca warning citizens. Town Demoralised' The Gibraltar correspondent of “The Times” says that an eye-wit-ness, returned from Algeciras, stated that complete demoralisation prevailed and few parts of the town were spared. Most of the public buildings were destroyed. All the batteries recently mounted by the rebels between Haifa Tarifa and Algeciras were destroyed. The sky was lund with the light of many fires to-night. Apparently large quantities of ammunition and goods on the wharves are ablaze. . The Casablanca correspondent of “The Times” says that General Franco, who is well furnished with

money, is recruiting natives at a great rate, and has won over the savage tribesmen. If he succeeds in retaining their support he may be ab'le to raise an additional army of 6000. A message from Mentone states that t Yr. Prince of the Asturias has issued a statement that bis recent journey to Spain was made as a private citizen. He wished to associate himself with the magnificent counter-revolutionary gesture fhe Spanish patriots were making.