FOREIGN TROOPS IN SPAIN

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22687, 17 April 1939, Page 9

FOREIGN TROOPS IN SPAIN

Concentrations Near French Border

ITALIAN AND GERMAN

WAR EQUIPMENT

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(Received April 16, 8.30 p.m.)

LONDON, April 15,

The Paris correspondent of the British United Press reports that officials at Hendaye declare that the French frontier batteries are fully manned and command all the Spanish approaches. Troops are at present manning the mountain defences. Heavy guns and extra ammunition have been installed and the anti-aircraft equipment has been reinforced.

' The Bordeaux correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph” says France is very perturbed by reports that 15,000 to 20,000 fresh Italian troops have landed at Cadiz and are concentrating at Logrono, 60 miles from the French-Spanish frontier. This was the site of the Italian headquarters throughout the war, but the need for concentrations has clearly passed. - It is known that 9000 to 10,000 picked, German technicians and artillerymen are still in Spain, distributed over the northern towns. It is considered that they are more useful to General Franco than the Italians in the event of an attack against France, In addition to numerous artillery, anti-tank, and anti-aircraft guns, the Germans possess 50 guns which are