MASS OFFENSIVE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 11, 10 December 1937, Page 7

MASS OFFENSIVE.

FRANCO’S BIG DRIVE. ITALIANS UNPOPULAR. LONDON. Dec. 2.. General Franco’s mass offensive in the effort, to conquer all Spain before the depth of winter, will begin between December 10 and 12. An official announcement to this effect has been made from rebel headquarters at Salamanca. „ , The newspaper, A.8.C., although published in Seville, well within the territory of the Spanish rebels, makes frank comment upon the resentment displayed toward the Italian querors of the Basque country. 4.11 article discussing the reception accorded Franco’s Italian troops by the inhabitants of towns in Asturias Province, says: “It would be childish to close one’s eyes to the attitude of people who lined the roads to witness the inward march of their conquerors. “The faces of the spectators, mostly women, expressed indifference, even disdain.” “Potato Jones,” the Welsh skipper, who was one of the first to run the .gauntlet of the rebel blockade of northern Spanish ports will leave England in charge of the freighter, Thorpe Hall, bound for eastern Spain. Undeterred by rebel threats to attack all ships entering Spanish Government ports, he is determined to deliver a cargo pf foodstuffs, milk, and medicines bought with the funds of the Spanish Relief Committee in England;