WAR IN SPAIN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23162, 12 April 1937, Page 9

WAR IN SPAIN

FIGHTING IN MADRID REBEL THREAT TO SHIPPING (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) MADRID, April 10. (Received April 11, at 8 p.m.) The Government forces, having deployed fanwise into the western outskirts of Madrid, have resumed the offensive against the rebels, who arc cut off from their base in the Casi del Campo. It is estimated that there are 10,000 insurgents in the shattered ruins of students' hostels. The loyalists claim further successes south of Madrid. A Bilbao report states that the captain of the Amsterley, one of four British merchantmen bound for Bilbao laden with foodstuffs, which Britain advised to remain at St. Jean de Luz pending the clarification of the situation, says that General Franco declares he will prevent any food entering Bilbao even at the risk of an incident with the British Navy. The battle cruiser Hood has left Gibraltar with instructions to protect British shipping, and the cruiser Shropshire is proceeding to the coast of North Spain. PROTECTION OF SHIPPING NAVAL CONVOYS PROVIDED FREE NAVIGATION INTENDED LONDON, April 9. The military governor of Majorca, after a visit from the commander of the Shropshire, admitted that there was a great possibility that insurgent planes bombed the Gallant. He expressed the sincerest xegret and deepest apologies. Although so far unconfirmed in London, it is reported from St. Jean de Luz that the British Admiralty has instructed warships to ensure British merchantmen free navigation in Spanish waters, involving escorts to all Spanish ports. The French and German Governments haVe issued regulations controlling ships going to Spain, including the carrying of observers and ports in order to comply ""with the non-intervention arrangements. The date of introduction is being specified later. A FUTILE REFUGE TRAPPED IN A TUNNEL WOMEN AND CHILDREN KILLED BILBAO, April 9. (Received Apr.il 11, at 6.30 p.m.) Seven were killed and 30 were injured when a train tore through a group of women and children taking refuge from an air raid in a tunnel between Plencia and Bilbao. REBELS CANNOT WIN A CLERIC'S OPINION LONDON, April 10. (Received April 11, at 6.30 p.m.) A Toulouse message says that the Dean of Canterbury has' declared that General Franco is conducting the war atrociously. The dean added that he was convinced that General Franco could not win. The loyalists were fighting with indescribable zeal and were determined to build a truly Christian social order based on a vision of new life. .