ITALIAN AID FOR FRANCO

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22319, 5 February 1938, Page 15

ITALIAN AID FOR FRANCO

Reduction Considered Likely SECRET COUNCIL IN ROME Bombing Condemned At Geneva (united press association—copyright.) (Received February 4, 10 p.m.) LONDON, February 4. A message from Rome states that Italy is likely considerably to reduce her help for General Franco. This was reported after a secret meeting of the Supreme Defence Committee, over which Signor Mussolini presided. The Barcelona correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph” says the Minister for Defence (Senor Don Prieto), in spite of Salamanca’s rejection of an aerial truce, has ordered the Loyalist bombers not to attack any rebel town, in view of the acceptance by Britain and France of the principle of his Note against the bombing-of open towns. A message from Geneva says that delegates from working-class organisations to the International Labour Office vigorously protested against the bombing of open towns in Spain by Italian and German aeroplanes. They also condemned the systematic murdering of women and children, and appealed to the League to take adequate measures to end such horrors. The Geneva correspondent of the “Manchester Guardian” says that since January 24 Germany is reported to have been sending in batches of 200 through Italy, 2000 technicians to assist General Franco. BOMBARDMENTS AT MADRID REBELS DEVELOP NEW TECHNIQUE CIVILIANS LURED TO THEIR DESTRUCTION LONDON, February 3. The Madrid correspondent of “The Times” states that the rebels have adopted a new technique consisting of firing a few shells with intervals of 15 minutes between the explosions. This deludes the population into believing that the bombardment is over, and they emerge into the streets, only to be caught by shrapnel in the next discharge. This system effectively raised to-day’s casualties. , A later rebel bombardment killed 15 persons, wounded 45, and damaged the offices of the American Associated Press.

IMPRISONED BY DEBRIS SURVIVORS OF REBEL AIR RAID FOOD CONVEYED BY PIPES TO BASEMENTS (Received February 4, 11.30 p.m.) BARCELONA, February 4. People trapped in the basements of two houses as a result of the rebel air raid on January 30 are still alive, but they have not yet been extricated. They are provided with air, water, and food by pipes driven through the debris. The casualties in the air raid nave been computed at 110 killed and 1600 wounded. CONDEMNATION IN AMERICA REFERENCES BY SECRETARY OF STATE (Received February 4, 10.30 p.m.) WASHINGTON, February 3. The Secretary of State (Mr Cordell Hull) at a press conference condemned aerial bombing of civilian populations without ■ mentioning China and Spain. The observation, nevertheless, was directed to them. He said it should be strongly deplored by all nations, and added that he hoped ways and means would be found to end the practice.