OPPOSING FORCES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22489, 5 August 1936, Page 13

OPPOSING FORCES

INSURGENTS' SUCCESS DOMINATING POSITION ROAD TO MADRID HELD By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright LONDON, August 3 Government forces advancing on Saragossa captured the town of La Zaida after a heavy aerial bombardment. The rebels captured Guadarrama, which dominates one road to Madrid, after most intense fighting, which ended in a bayonet, charge by 2000 men. It is stated that 800 were killed and wounded in one hour. The rebels are planning an attack on Madrid from two sides, but are handicapped by a shortage of ammunition. Many rebels have surrendered, stating that they had been fighting for many days without supplies. The loyalist leaders are confident that they can defeat the rebels.

It is reported that the rebels at Toledo are in desperate plight. Food supplies are becoming short and an intensive artillery bombardment has cut off supplies of water and electricity. The town is completely surrounded and is expected to fall hourly. Before launching fresh, large-scale offensives, both the Government forces and the insurgents are awaiting reinforcements, which are becoming available to an increasing degree. The impression prevails in Madrid that the issue of the civil war depends upon the fate of the capital, which is in the balance again with the inception of the second struggle at Guadarrama and its capture by the rebels. ARMS FOR COMBATANTS ATTITUDE OF POWERS GOLD CARGOES FOR FRANCE LONDON, August 3 The Spanish Government Continues to sent cargoes of gold to France by air. It is reported that the gold is for the purchase of aeroplanes and munitions, but M. Delbos, French Foreign Minister, still insists that France is not intervening. Urgent telephonic consultations were exchanged between British Cabinet Ministers on a French Note suggesting united action in the Spanish crisis. Britain's answer, indicating readiness to agree not to despatch arms to Spain, will be sent to Paris shortly.

A committee of the Belgian Cabinet in view of large orders from the loyalists and from rebels, for arms, has decided to create an export licence system.

Funds are being collected and meetings held throughout Russia to assist the loyalists.