FIERCE FIGHTING

Evening Star, Issue 22525, 18 December 1936, Page 9

FIERCE FIGHTING

LEFT FLANK OF MADRID FORCES AT GRIPS IN FOG INDISCRIMINATE BOMBING frtn Association —By Telegraph—Copyright MADRID, December 17. The bloodiest fighting for somo weeks occurred on the extreme left flank of the Madrid front, when both the insurgents and the loyalists decided to take advantage of a dense fog. The insurgents claim to have captured BoadiUa, an important position which guards the Government’s rear. The loyalists launched a counter attack, but, despite the fiercest fighting, do not appear to have been successful. Tanks and aeroplanes participated in the action, the latter flying blindly in the mist and bombing almost indiscriminately. The casualties are estimated at at least 1,000. PARLIAMENTARIANS* REPORT DETERMINED LOYALIST RESISTANCE. LONDON, December 16. The report of the six members of the House of Commons who investigated the Spanish War emphasises the determination of the defenders of Madrid to resist to the utmost, largely owing to the destruction of their homes by Caproni and Junkers bdmbers of foreign origin. The junta controlling the conduct of the war is slowly bringing order from chaos. General Franco’s troops were better equipped at the outset, but the loyalists, whose forces outnumber General Franco’s by four to one, are now catching up, especially in tanks and chaser planes, reputed to be from Russia. The Russians are not fighting for the Government in any great numbers. Italians and Germans on the insurgent side fight as airmen, tank corps men, and artillerymen. Continuation of the evacuation of the civil population from Madrid is urgently necessary, and an international effort should be made in this direction as the military deadlock may long continue and the city may be reduced to ruins. GERMANY AND ITALY RUMOURS OF DISSENSION. LONDON, December 17. The ‘ Daily Telegraph’s * Berlin correspondent states that differences are reported to have arisen between Germany and Italy over the payment of General Franco’s expenses. It is stated that Germany is at present being left to meet the greater part of these, although Berlin considers that Italy will reap much greater advantages in the event of a Nationalist victory. CONTROL OF ARMS SHIPMENTS SPANISH GOVERNMENT ACCEPTS BRITISH PROPOSALS. VALENCIA, December 17. (Received December 18, at 11 a.m.) The Spanish Government has accepted the British proposals for control of arms shipments, reserving the right to raise objections. ‘Senor Caballero’s reply reiterated bis contention that the Government faced a handful of traitors supported by Moorish mercenaries and Italian and German soldiers. It adds that the arming of the adversaries of a legitimate Government is a violation of all international procedure. ITALY AND GERMANY WEARY OF TROUBLE MILITARY LESSONS LEARNED FROM CONFLICT. LONDON, December 17. (Received December 18, at 11.5 a.m.) The ‘ Manchester Guardian’s ’ diplomatic correspondent says there are distinct signs that Italy and Germany are weary of the Spanish trouble, but for reasons of prestige it is difficult for them to withdraw. Germany does not regard Spain as vital to her interests, especially as Russian and German relations are showing signs of improvement, Russian and Italian relations have long been excellent. The Spanish war has shown the enormous defensive power of modern weapons. Russian aeroplanes and pilots have proved superior to those of GerJnany, whose heavy bombers proved especially' disappointing. German antiaircraft artillery, however, was most effective and prevented the Russian planes raiding the rebels. Russian tanks appear ' disappointing, their armour not being sufficiently thick to resist the new German anti-tank artillery. The chief weapons in the Spanish conflict, and probably in any future war, are machine guns and rifles. Italy seems unprepared to give further assistance. The onus of deciding the war thus falls on Herr Hitler. As Herr Hitler is unwilling to intervene on so extensive a scale the- prospects seem brighter. Both sides, however, are at present opposed to an armistice.