BRITISH TROOPS IN SPANISH WAR

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 130, 26 February 1937, Page 11

BRITISH TROOPS IN SPANISH WAR

Unhappy Experiences

BETTER OFF AS PRISONERS THAN AS SOLDIERS

By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.

(Received February 25, 10 p.ra.)

London, February 24

The Talavera correspondent of “The Times.” writing on the Spanish situation savs there are 500 British volunin' the Skalatvala Battalion. According to statements of surviving prisoners thev were sent to the front after perfunctory drill and rifle practice. Two hundred were killed and 200 wounded, 40 being captured. An additional 500 remained at the Madrigueras base or were sent to the trenches. The survivors complain of lack of discipline and the drunkenness of their comrades and of bad food and bad treatment. They declare they were better off as prisoners. RING ROUND SPAIN Non-intervention Progress (British Official Wireless.) (Received February 25, 0 p.m.) Rugby, February 24. The progress of the Non-Intervention Committee’s scheme for a ban on volunteers for the Spanish civil war was mentioned in the Parliamentary answers by the Foreign Secretary, Mr. Anthony Eden. who was warmly received by the House of Commons. He stated the international committee had agreed on February 10 to extend the non-intervention agreement to prohibit entry into Spain of persons proposing to take service-in the war, in addition to prohibiting export to that country of arms and war material. I’be new prohibition was to take effect as from February 20. and he understood all the Governments concerned had taken the necessary measures. Ihe final details of the proposed plan of supervision were still under discussion between the Governments concerned, and it was liojied agreement would be reached within the next few days' In other answers, Mr. Eden said the arrangement had been reached between the British Government and the Portuguese Government by which 1-10 British officials would observe the application of the non-intervention agreement on the Spanish-Portuguese frontier. This arrangement had been communicated to the Non-Intervention Committee. The committee had approved the principle of a special Anglo-Portuguese arrangement, but the final details of the scheme had not yet been submitted to them.

ANTI-RELIGIOUS CAMPAIGN

Shooting in Barcelona

(Received February 25. 10 p.m.)

London, February 24.

The Gibraltar correspondent of “The Times” says that in the course of an intense anti-religious campaign at Barcelona. Federigo Domingo, brother of Marcelono Domingo, a member of the Cabinet, was shot dead after a trial for haring religious images.

IRELAND AFFIRMS BILL

(Received February-25. 10 p.m.)

London, February 24.

For the debate on the Non-Interven-tion Bill, every seat in the Dail was taken, numbers of priests occupying the gallery; The closure was applied during the debate on the Bill to secure speedy treatment. The Bill passed the final stage by 77 to 50. IRISH BRIGADESMAN KILLED (Received February 25. 10 pan.) London, February 24. The “Irish Press” announces the death in action of Daniel Chute, a member of the Irish Brigade in Spain. William Beattie, who was reported to be killed, is now known to be wounded in hospital.