MAJOR VICTORY FOR LOYALISTS

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 153, 25 March 1937, Page 11

MAJOR VICTORY FOR LOYALISTS

Hasty Italian Retreat

MORALE OF DEFENDERS GREATLY RAISED By Telegraph.—Tress Assn.—Copyright. London, March 23. The left wing of the loyalist forces on the Guadalajara front is approaching Jadraque and Almadrones, the points of departure of the rebel offensive. * A North American Newspaper Alliance copyright message states that Mr. Ernest Hemingway, describing the line of the Italian flight from Brihuega, emphasises the signs of precipitate retreat. It is estimated that the loss was 2000 killed and 3000 wounded, providing a major victory for the Government after an eight months’ defensive campaign and uniting the loyalists in fury against the foreign invasion. Recruiting for the new army has reached fever pitch. Supplies of gifts are pouring into Madrid from the countryside, greatly raising the morale of the fighting forces. Encirclement of Madrid is impossible unless General Franco, the rebel leader, obtains huge reinforcements of a better class of troops than the defeated Italians.

A Tangier message states that the insurgent authorities executed the Spanish High Commissioner, Buyllas, who was arrested at the commencement of the campaign. REPORTED LANDING OF ITALIANS (British Official Wireless.) Rugby, March 23. Following the reported landing in Spain of Italian volunteers on March 5, it has been learned from the Italian Governmen tthat the landing consisted only of medical material and a volunteer staff of doctors and helpers.