THE WAR IN SPAIN.

King Country Chronicle, Volume XXXI, Issue 4951, 4 February 1937, Page 4

THE WAR IN SPAIN.

A recent message from Spain states that the Spanish Government is still holding out against the rebels in their attack on Madrid, wtih varying fortunes on both sides. The situation in this unhappy country is becoming more complicated week by week. The German troops profess a contempt for General Franco's method of warfare, and it would not be at all surprising if the German troops wrested the leadership from the rebels in the conduct of the war. A British journalist who was in Spain at the start of the war stated that the Government had four aeroplanes to each insurgent 'plane. Last December the proportion was twenty insurgent 'planes to every one held by the Government, even though it was indicated that more insurgent 'planes had been shot down. This amply proves the assistance that Germany and Italy provided the rebels with, and enabled them to smash their way to the very gates of Madrid. When the, Government had superior foi*ce in the air they were able to drive back the Fascist troops in almost every theatre of war. Without 'planes the rebels found it impossible to move powerfully against the Government's positions. Now the position is different, and the insurgents, thanks to Germany and Italy, are razing Madrid from the air. Workers and peasants who support the Government are not soldiers. They know nothing of military discipline or organisation, and even less about tactical manoeuvres. Should Madrid be captured a terrible blow will be dealt to the Government forces. In civil wars the greatest symbolic value is always attached to the possession of the capital city. Yet the fall of Madrid seems inevitable with the support the rebels are receiving from Germany and Italy. If the rebels, with this support, are the victors, what recompense will Germany and Italy demand. The bill undoubtedly will be a heavy one and may even mean the partitioning of the country between Germany and Italy, a serious matter for both Britain and France.