Armistice in Spain ?

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 81, 6 April 1938, Page 5

Armistice in Spain ?

War May be Over By End of April

RESISTANCE USELESS

United Press Association—By Electrlo Telegraph.—-Copyright.

LONDON, April 4

The Daily Telegraph’s Perpignan correspondent reliably learns that the Republican Government is preoccupied with preventing further slaughter and destruction in Catalonia. Accordingly, reports of the possibility of an armistice probably possess substance, as further resistance is becoming out of the question. Those in well-informed circles believe that the war will be finished by the end of the month.

It is officially announced at Saragossa .hat the Nationalists have fought their c.ay to within striking distance of Toriosa, the depublican seaplane base, through which runs the last road and .-ail communications linking Barcelona v.-ith Valencia and Madrid. The Nationalists have also captured Morelia, commanding the road to the Mediterranean, after a 14-miles advance over a 4000-foot pass, taking 1000 prisoners. The third mechanised column, captors < Gandesa, have occupied Mora. 20 miles from the coast.

Nationalist troops are still rooting out, ir. a house-to-house search, the few remaining Republican snipers who prefer death to retreat from Lerida. The main body of the Nationalist troops is conducting the campaign on the outskirts of the city, while tanks, which have been active throughout the night, patrol through the city protecting shock troops and civil guards doing police duty.

The Republicans’ last stand was desperate. Eighty-five bodies were found strewn in a single trench.