ITALIANS BEAT HASTY RETREAT

Northern Advocate, 24 March 1937, Page 7

ITALIANS BEAT HASTY RETREAT

Major Victory For Loyalists Changes Civil War Outlook (United Press Association. —By Electric . Telegraph. — Copyright .] (Received 1.30 p.m.) LONDON, March 23. In a copyright message to the North American Newspaper Alliance, Mr i Ernest Hemmingway, describing the dine of Italian flight from Brihuega, emphasises the signs of precipitate re--treat. It is estimated the Italian losses were between 2000 and 3000 killed and wounded, providing a major victory for the Government after eight months of defensive campaign. He also states that the victory has united the loyalists in fury against foreign invasion. Recruiting for the new army has reached fever pitch, and supplies of gifts are pouring into Madrid from the entire countryside. This is greatly raising the morale of the fighting forces. The encirclement of Madrid is now impossible, unless Geenral Franco obtains huge reinforcements of a better class of troops than the defeated Italians. Another cable message states that the Left Wing of the loyalist forces on the Guadalajara front is approaching Jadraque and Almadrones, the points of departure of the rebel offensive. Franco Hurries Up, The rebel leader, General Franco, is reported to be hurrying to Siguenza, to take over the direct command of ljus forces on the Guadalajara front, in place of the Italian commander. General Bergonzoli, whose troops, according to the Government, are still retreating. A message from Valencia says the Government is notifying the NonIntervention Committee, through Britain,' that it cannot agree to the Span-, fsh coast being controlled by nations ; which are openly intervening In favour . of the insurgents, or that vessels flying ( the Spanish flag should be visited by ; anyone. , '