IN RETREAT

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 152, 24 March 1937, Page 11

IN RETREAT

Rebel Forces on the Madrid Front FRANCO TAKES OVER Relieving Italian General of Command By Telegraph.-Press Assn.—Copy right. (Received March 23. 11 p.m.) London, March 23. A message from .Madrid states that tlie generalissimo of the rebel forces, General Franco, is reported to be hurrying to Siguenza. north of Guadalajara, to take over direct command on the Guadalajara front in place of the Italian commander, General Bergonzoli. whose troops, according to the Government, are still retreating.

A message from Valencia states that the Spanish Government is notifying tlie Non-Intervention Committee, through Britain, that it cannot agree to tlie Spanish coasts being controlled by nations openly intervening in favour of tlie insurgents, or that vessels flying tlie Spanish flag should t>e visited bv anyone.

“NO POLITICAL MOTIVE”

Mussolini’s Hurried Return To Italy Rome, March 22. Signor Mussolini arrived at Gaeta on his return from his Mediterranean tour and is proceeding to Rome by motor. He is expected to arrive to-night. A radio message from the cruiser Pola described how Signor Mussolini reviewed tlie second naval squadron, after which, despite rough weather, the Tola, escorted by four cruisers, proceeded nt full speed to Gaeta. An official spokesman stated that the Duee’s return was not hastened by any political motive. When informed of Press comments on his return. Signor Mussolini was annoyed at their “tendentious nature.”