SPANISH CIVIL WAR

Greymouth Evening Star, 16 April 1938, Page 5

SPANISH CIVIL WAR

•FRANCO'S ADVANCE CHECKED [BY CABLE—PRESS ASSN. — COPYRIGHT. | LONDON, April 14. General Franco resumed his offensive with a. series of surprise attacks on a 20-mile front in an attempt to reach the sea before Easter. This produced desperate fighting, but the Republicans still hold vital positions, after flinging in shock brigades at threatened points. The Nationalists, however, claim to have advanced six and a-half miles alongside the road from Morelia. The Republicans for 16 hours resisted attacks on the town of Cati, between Morelia and San Mateo, where the survivors of the Austrian, German, Polish, and Jewish International Brigade are fighting back to back against the enemy’s thrust from three directions with tanks, flame-throwers and air bombers.

The Republicans also recaptured Granja. throwing back across the Serge River a force of Nationalists, who were wiped out as they were retreating across the only bridge. -The Republicans, after losing their positions near Balaguer. launched five attacks. supported by tanks, artillery, and aeroplanes, in an attempt to recapture a bridgehead held by the Nationalists. but failed. General Franco’s troops claim to have broken two Republican divisions. The Nationalists are pressing on in the neighbourhood of Lite Pyrenees. They captured 30 villages in 48 hours. The Barcelona, correspondent of ihe “Daily Telegraph” emphasises the remarkable feat of the Republicans’ defence, in spite of the insurgents’ superiority in material, notably at. Tortosa, where General Franco's troops, were brought to a standstill in a fortnight. The correspondent expresses the opinion that, rhe war may continue for many months. The Repiihiieans have mobilised 150,000 reservists, but there is a shortage of food in Barcelona. Frozen meat ration cards have been issued, but lhere is no evidence of any desire to abandon the struggle.

Drastic precautions are being taken to meet the peril of insurgent, sympathisers within the city. Many are apprehensive because of a story that, these sympathisers have compiled a list of marked men among the Republicans. The populace is fearful of excesses when General Franco approaches. Conversely, the Republican extremists may be tempted io lake, the law into their own hands and exterminate the rebel sympathisers before Genera] Franco is at the gates of the city. The precautions include nocturnal visits to houses to round up rebel sympathisers. FIG HTI NG CONT IN FED. (Recd. April 16, 8 a.m-) BARCELONA. April 15. Desperate fighting continues. Nationalist. attempts to flatten out the Government’s lines at Husfar failed. Meanwhile, Government planes and vessels are patrolling the coast, keeping a sharp watch against, the landing of reinforcements from Majorca. Insurgent. planes are still bombing the coastal towns. The Government claims to have brought, down four. “Meet me at sea.” declared the rebel General Aranda. So confident, is he of victory that he has invited foreign correspondents to lunch to-day at Vinaroz, on the Mediterranean coast.

COM MUN (CATIONS CUT (Rec. April 16, Noon) SARAGOSSA, April 15. Rebel troops entered Vinaroj, cutting the road and rail communications between Catalonia and the remainder of Spain. LOYALISTS ENLIST MADRID, April 15. Trades unions are offering for war service all fit men of 17 to 45 years of age. The recent special appeal resulted in the enlistment of fifteen thousand Loyalists.