THE SPANISH WAR

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 18 December 1936, Page 5

THE SPANISH WAR

ITALY AND GERMANY SEEM WEARY QUESTION OF FURTHER ASSISTANCE PARTICIPANTS OPPOSED TO ARMISTICE (United Prose Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copy right) (Received 18th December, 10.5 a.m.) LONDON, 17th December. The “Guardian’s” diplomatic correspondent says that there are distinct signs that Italy and Germany are weary of the Spanish trouble, but for reasons of prestige it is diffi--ult for them to withdraw. Germany does not regard Spain as vital to her interests, especially as RussianGerman relations are showing signs of improvement. Russian-Italian relations have long been excellent. The Spanish War has shown the enormous defensive power of modern weapons. Russian aeroplanes and pilots have proved superior to those of Germany, whose heavy bombers have proved especially disappointing. The German anti-aircraft artillery, however, was most effective and prevented the Russian planes from raiding the rebels. The Russian tanks appear disappointing, the armour not being sufficiently thick to resist the new German anti-tank artillery. The chief weapons in the Spanish conflict, and probably in any future war, are machine guns and rifles. Italy seems unprepared to give further assistance, and the onus of deciding the war thus falls on Herr Hitler. As Herr Hitler is unwilling to intervene on so extensive a scale the prospects seem brighter. Both sides, however, are opposed at present to an armistice.

RESISTANCE OF DEFENDERS OF MADRID

ORDER SLOWLY EMERGING FROM CHAOS report ofTnvestigators LONDON, 16th December. The report of six members of the House of Commons who investigated the Spanish War emphasises the determination of the defenders of Madrid to resist to the utmost, largely owing to the destruction of homes by the Caponri and Junkers bombers of foreign origin. The junta controlling the conduct of the war is slowly bringing order from chaos. 'General Franco’s troops were better equipped at the outset, feut the loyalists, whose forces outnumber General Franco’s by four to one, are now catching up, especially in tanks and chaser planes, which are reputed to be Russian. The Russians are not fighting for the Government in any great numbers. The Italians and Germans on the insurgent side fight as airmen, tank corps men and artillerymen.

The continuation of the evacuation of the civil population of Madrid is urgently necessary and an international effort should be made in this direction, as the miltary deadlock might long continue and the city might be reduced to ruins.

GENERAL FRANCO’S EXPENSES

GERMANY AND ITALY DIFFER WHICH SHOULD BEAR BRUNT LONDON, 17th December. The “Daily Telegraph’s” Berlin correspondent states that differences are reported to have arisen between Germany and Italy over the payment of General Franco’s expenses. It is stated that Germany at present is being left to meet the greater part of these, although Berlin considers that Italy will reap much greater advantages in the event of a Nationalist victory.

FIGHTING IN FOG

INSURGENTS CLAIM TO HAVE TAKEN BOADILLA INDISCRIMINATE BOMBING MADRID, 17th December. The bloodiest fighting for some weeks occurred on the extreme left flank on the Madrid front, when both the insurgents and the loyalists decided to take advantage of a dense fog. The insurgents claim to have captured Boadilla, an important position which guards the Government’s rear. The loyalists launched a counterattack, but despite the fiercest fighting, it does not appear to have been successful. Tanks and aeroplanes participated in the action, the latter flying blindly in the mist and bombing almost indiscriminately. The casualties are estimated at at least 1000.

CONTROL OF ARMS SHIPMENTS

BRITISH PROPOSALS ACCEPTED BY SPANISH GOVERNMENT VALENCIA, 17th December. The Spanish Government has accepted the British proposals for the control of arms shipments, reserving the right to raise objections. General Caballero’s reply reiterated the contention that the Government was faced by a handful of traitors supported by Moorish mercenaries, Italian and ‘Vtu-man soldiers. He adds that arming the adversaries of a legitimate government is a violation of all international procedure.