Franco’s Hardest Battle

Northern Advocate, 4 January 1939, Page 5

Franco’s Hardest Battle

(Received 10 a.m.) LONDON, January 2,

The Spanish Republican Defence Ministry describes the present conflict as the hardest battle of the war, says a despatch from Barcelona. It says the Republican forces have captured Italian prisoners, whose statements prove that the offensive has been endowed with overwhelming assistance from Italy and Germany. “The Republicans go singing into counter-attacks, aflame with patriotism, and increase the cost to the invaders of every foot they hold,” says the statement.

The Republicans on the east front are satisfied with the result of to-day’s battle. They assert that the Nationalists, in spite of their overwhelming advantage in munitions, can launch only large-scale attacks in the smaller sectors, thus constantly endangering .their flanks.

According to a message from Hendaye, General Franco at present is satisfied with the progress of his offensive, because his forces have taken 12,884 prisoners since December 23, apart from severe Republican, casualties.

The Insurgents claim to have reached, the right bank of the Segre River, within rifle range' of Artesa, the fall of which is stated to be imminent. .

Retreating Government troops blew up Segre bridges. It is’ admitted that Loyalist forces are still holding up the legionaries, who have been almost stationary for the last four days on the Alfes-Aspa-Cogull line.

Franco authorities claim to have reached a position on the extreme south, dominating the road leading to Reus, near Tarragona, and finally claim that since the offensive began they have occupied 494 square miles, captured over 16,200 prisoners, and brought down 80 planes. Barcelona admits Franco’s gains in the south, but claims the offensive is now held up in difficult hilly terrain.

It is estimated that Franco forces have a total of 600 planes along the Segre front.