LIFE AND DEATH STRUGGLE

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 138, 7 March 1929, Page 11

LIFE AND DEATH STRUGGLE

FIRST BLOODSHED IN MEXICAN TROUBLE REVOLUTIONARIES CLAIM SUCCESS REPORTED CAPTURE OF MONTEREY (Australian Press Assn.—United Service.) New York, March 5. The first bloodshed in the Mexican revolution was reported on Tuesday, in five States, as the Government settled down to what appears to be a life and death struggle. The revolutionaries claim the capture of Monterey, a strategic railway, and munition centre in the State of Nuevo Leon, with severe casualties, und the capture of three Federal generals. Loyal troops claimed the victory in the State of Vera Cruz. The States of Coahuila, Sonora, and Sinaloa reported fighting.

The Government has made wide plans of action on two fronts, north and south. Ex-President Calles will conduct the campaign in Sonora, and General Andrew Almazon will concentrate in the south. Eight thousand of his troops are marching on Vera Cruz. Opposing these leaders will be General Gonzalo Escobar, commander-in-chief of the insurgent forces.

For the first time the religious question appeared with the promulgation of a manifesto by Governor Fausto Topete, of Sonora, who proclaimed religious freedom. Preparation is being made to reopen the Catholic Cathedrals in Sonora, closed since 1926. Heavy troop movements are reported from Mexico City, where perfect order reigns. The United States Ambassador, Mr. Dwight Morrow; has made it plain that he would continu teo deal only with the recognised Government. Monterey, March 5. General J. G. Escobar, commander-in-chief of the revolution in Northern Mexico, issued a statement on Tuesday that after ten hours’.combat the revjlutionists took Monterey, capturing 570 men, three generals, and severity-eight officers. General Lurriaga, the Federal commander, was killed. All the prisoners’ lives were spared. ARMS FROM AMERICA (Australian Press Assn.—United Service.) Washington, March 5. President Hoover states that he sees no reason to disturb the policy under which shipments of arms and munitions from the United States for the Mexican Government have been permitted under license for the last five years. A TEN-HOUR BATTLE ONE GENERAL KILLED AND THREE CAPTURED. (Rec. March 6, 7 p.m.) New York, March 5. Further reports indicate that the rebels captured Monterey after a tenhour battle in which one Federal general was killed and three generals, 78 officers, and 570 men were captured. The Mexican Navy is supporting the rebels. , , Senhor Calles is massing loyal troops as the revolt spreads, with Mexico City the next objective.