REBELS OCCUPY TORTOSA

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22610, 16 January 1939, Page 9

REBELS OCCUPY TORTOSA

CATALONIAN ADVANCE

REACHES SEA

COMMAND OF ROADS TO TARRAGONA (UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPTRIGHT.) (Received January 15, 10.5 p.m.) BURGOS, January 14. General Franco’s Moorish troops occupied Tortosa, the former Loyalist seaplane base, 60 miles south of Tarragona, The rebels are now in command of all the main roads converging on Tarragona. Reuter’s special correspondent at Lerida says that the rebel troops, advancing after the fall of Tortosa, reached the sea at the village of Atmella. From Lerida it is reported that the rebels claim the capture of Vails, and that they are now within shell-shot of Tarragona. The rebels also claim control oi the whole of the river Ebro, and have captured 24 villages in addition to Tortosa and Atmella.

They declare that the attempt of General Miaja, the Loyalist commander, to raise the siege of Madrid and also to relieve pressure in Catalonia, was repulsed after heavy losses and the capture of six Russian tanks.

The latest gains bring the rebels almost half-way to Barcelona from the starting point of the offensive. Their leaders ridicule the Loyalist claim ttial 'EsVtcmadnta attacks are effectively countering the Catalonian advance.

LOYALISTS URGED TO RESIST

BARCELONA PREPARES

(Received January 15, 10.5 p.m.)

BARCELONA, January 14

Pamphlets were showered in the streets urging the utmost efforts to defeat the rebels by participation in “a glorious battle of heroes.” The pamphlets recall that children 11 years old fought against Napoleon, who was defeated by firm resistance. The response to the calling up of new classes of troops is satisfactory. Conscripts are streaming to Barcelona, some accompanied by their wives and children.

BRITISH AIR LINE BLOCKED

REBELS DENY PASSAGE TO MACHINES

LONDON, January 13

British Airways announces that the reason for the postponement of its London-Lisbon air service, which was to have begun on January 2, is General Franco’s refusal to allow the machines to fly over rebel Spain. General Franco’s refusal, it is stated, is based on the ground that the right cannot be extended to countries which have refused his Government full diplomatic privileges, states a British Official Wireless message. During a recent survey flight by British Airways every courtesy and assistance was extended by General Franco and his authorities, and the decision now announced has caused surprise and disappointment.

exchange of agents WITH FRANCO

BELGIAN ARRANGEMENT

(Received January 15, 8.10 p.m.)

BRUSSELS, January 14,

Arrangements have been completed for the exchange of agents with General Franco.

CHARGES AGAINST GOLDING

DETAILS COMMUNICATED TO BRITAIN

(IKITIBB OTIICUL WIXILlftl.) RUGBY, January 14. Mr C. D. Jerram, acting British agent at Burgos, has been informed by the rebel headquarters of the charges against Mr Ernest Golding. Details are being sent on to London.