Victory in Sight!

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 189, 12 August 1936, Page 5

Victory in Sight!

Both Sides Confident

DECISIVE ACTIONS IMMINENT SPANISH STRUGGLE INCREASES IN INTENSITY United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph.—Copyr'ght. Received Wednesday, 2 a.m. MADRID, Aug. 11. i Both the Government and tho rebels claim that the end of the civil war is m sight, each forecasting an early victory. The Ministry of War in a broadcast claimed that tho Government controlled three-quarters of Spain, including the mines, foundries, important factories and a widespread net of communications. They have not assaulted Seville, Cordova, Burgos and other historic cities as they wish to avoid tho destruction of precious artistic and architectural treasures. The rebel leader, General Franco, interviewed in Lisboa by "Dieaio Lisboa,” similarly claims that victory is imminent. Ho has decided not to lead the march on Madrid but will direct operations from his headquarters at Seville. Ho added that he wishes to avoid bombarding Madrid, where hundreds of thousands sympathised with his armies, wherefore, ho hoped to bciticge the capital until famino and thirst lead to a revolt to overthrow the Government. Artillery engagements are reported on the Ban Seoasti-Tolosa front. They wfere intermittent this morning but the rain and the poor visibility prevented severe lighting. General Delland reports the bombardment of tho famous Alhambra at' Granada, but is uncertain which side was responsible and whether it was damaged. Heudayo reports state that heavy rain all along tho Basque coast prevented tho rebels launching their offensive against Ban Sebastian, Iruu and Tolosa. Largo reinforcements from Pamplona suffered heavy casualties as tho roads were under heavy lire from the Government batteries, which though composed largely of obsolelo guns firing shells made as far back as 1910, were placed on commanding heights. Correspondents with the Government forces were impressed with the courage and endurance of the women who work from 12 to 1-1 hours, sleep on the ground, help to man the guns and fire the machine-guns. A Marseilles message states that the situation in the Balearic Islands, where tho rebels arc being attacked by the loyalists, is becoming worse daily. I

Evacuating Foreigners

WARSHIPS TAKING NATIONALS TO SAFETY. Received Tuesday, 9.10 p.m. LONDON, Aug. 11. The Times' Berlin correspondent says two additional destroyers have gone to Spain for tho protection of German subjects and to secure their safe departure. Hitherto (300 German refugees from Madrid havo been evacuated through Alicanto Harbour under the protection of the battleship Admiral Scheer. There are still between 1200 aud 1400 Germans in Madrid of whom 300 desire to remain for economic reasons. Fifteen hundred arc awaiting evacuation from Barcelona. The Times' Gibraltar correspondent says the destroyer Blancho has arrived from Malaga bringing the last of the British refugees from the port, also a number of Cubans and other foreigners.

Italy’s Equivocal Attitude GUARANTEE AND INDEMNITY DEMANDED. Received Tuesday, 7.35 p.m. ROME, Aug. 10. A French Embassy communique says the Italian reply to the French nonintervention proposals is au adherence in principle but contains certain reservations. Until a couipleto understanding between Italy and Franco is reached no particulars of the negotiations will be revealed. Tho Daily Mail’s Rome correspondent says it is believed the reservations

relato chiefly to, the protection of Italian nationals in the event of the Spanish Government proving manifestly incapable of guaranteeing their safety. Italy is also insisting on an indemnity for tho shooting of three Italians at Barcelona. Tho Times’ Rome correspondent says tho Madrid Government expressed regret for tho shootings, but has not yet replied to tho indemnity demand. The Daily Mail's Romo correspondent says it is stated that if tho Italian Government does not receive a satisfactory reply it may be obliged to take other and more serious steps, especially as the situation iu Spam is reported i becoming hourly more threatening. Tho Times’ Lisbon correspondent says tho Portuguese Press publishes a Franco manifesto iu which ho says: “Spain is a republic and will remain so. Neither tho regime nor tho flag will be changed. The only change will be that crime will bo replaced by order and acts of banditry by acts of progressive work.” Spanish Government Apologises To Britain MADRID, Aupgust 0. Tho British Anibasador has protested to tho Spanish Government against tho shelling of the Blue Shadow and reserves the right to claim compensation. The Spanish authorities have apologised for the rebels shelling the Blue Shadow. Protest From the Pope VATICAN CITY, August 10. Tho Pope has energetically protested to the Spanish Government against tin murder of priests and the ejection of nuns from hospitals and burning of churches and profanation of bodies. German Machine in Spain LONDON, August 10. A report that the Spanish War Ministry had captured a German Junkers aeroplane laden with munitions near Badajos, has elicited a denial from tihe Germau Embassy. The pilot uud three passengers were Germans. Nevertheless, it was also reported that four other Germans in the machine wero detained. BERLIN, August 10. The Air Ministry denies knowledge of any Germau aeroplane being scut to Spain, other than the Luft Kansas for the evacuation of refugees.

Inhabitants of Gibraltar Warned GIBRALTAR, August 10. The Governor has warned every inhabitant to refrain from publicly displaying sympathy to either party. Refugees thus abusing British hospitality are threatened with expulsion from Gibraltar. Anglo-Portuguese Alliance BEST SERVED BY STRICT NEUTRALITY. LISBON, August 10. Britain has hinted that the longstanding Anglo-Portugesc alliance iwculd best bo served by the strictest neutrality. Straits of Gibraltar CONTROL BY GOVERNMENT FORCES. MADRID, August 10. Neither side report any decisive liio.-c----ment. The Government is concentrating on controlling the Straits of Gibraltar at present and the transfer c-f further native troops. Dynamite Hurled Against Walls REBEL BARRACKS DEMOLISHED. MADRID, August 10. Hendaye miners, who are skilled in tho handling of dynamite, constructed a catapult to hurl dynamite against the rebel barracks at Oviedo. The walls were demolished and the rebel commander has sent a wireless message to General Mola for help. He tears that he will be unable to hold out much longer.