"WEARY OF WAR IN SPAIN"

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21970, 19 December 1936, Page 15

"WEARY OF WAR IN SPAIN"

ITALY AND GERMANY CHANGING RELATIONS WITH RUSSIA LONDON, December 17. The diplomatic correspondent of the "Manchester Guardian" states that there are distinct signs that Italy and Germany are weary of the Spanish trouble, but for reasons of prestige it is difficult for them to withdraw. Germany does not regard Spain as vital to her interests, especially as Russian and German relations are showing signs of improvement. Russian and Italian relations have long been excellent. t

The Spanish War has shown the ( enormous defensive power of modem weapons. Russian aeroplanes and pilots have proved superior to those of Germany, whose heavy bombers have proved especially disappointing. The German anti-aircraft artillery, however, was most effective, as it prevented the Russian aeroplanes from raiding the rebels. The Russian tanks appear to have been disappointing, as their armour is not sufficiently thick to resist the new German anti-tank artillery. The chief weapons in the Spanish conflict, and probably in any future war, are machine-guns and rifles. Italy seems unprepared to give further assistance. The onus of deciding the war thus falls on Herr Hitler, but as he is unwilling to intervene on so extensive a scale, the prospects seem brighter. Both sides, however, are opposed at present to an armistice. U.S. GUNBOAT FIRED ON BY REBELS ATTACKER MAKES OFF AT SIGHT OF FLAG (Received December 19, 2.20 a.m.) MADRID, December 18. The rebel battleship Espana fired on the United States gunboat Erie, which was lying in harbour. The Espana commenced to bombard the port when the Erie ran up the American flag and prepared for action. The Espana headed westward at full speed. SIXTY THREE DEAD IN AIR RAID DESTRUCTION ON MADRID FRONT (Received December 18, 9.31 p.m.) MADRID, December 17. Casualties in yesterday's air raid were 63 killed and 263 injured, the majority women and children. Two districts were almost destroyed. CONTROL OF ARMS SHIPMENTS BRITISH PROPOSALS ACCEPTED BY SPAIN VALENCIA, December 17. The Spanish Government has accepted the British proposals for the control of arms shipments, reserving the right to raise objections. The reply of the Prime Minister (Senor Caballero) reiterated the contention that the Government faced a handful of traitors supported by Moorish mercenaries and Italian and German soldiers. It adds: "The arming of adversaries of the legitimate Government is a violation of all international procedure."