REBEL GAINS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19336, 28 May 1937, Page 5

REBEL GAINS

STRUGGLE FOR BILBAO REINFORCEMENTS POUR IN ITALIAN ACTIVITIES COMPLAINTS AT GENEVA (Elec. Tel. Copyright — United Press Assn.) (Reed. May 28. 12 noon) ' LONDON, May 27. Reports from Spain state that as a result of the renewal of the offensive between Banambio and Orduna, assisted by tanks and aeroplanes, the rebel troops captured Leniona. seven miles from Bilbao.

The insurgent forces now dominate Orduna. Their infantry consists of 4DvO Italians, 1000 Carlists and 1000 regular troops, who dislodged the Basques on the third attempt, taking 1000 prisoners, after two repulses. Reinforcements are pouring into the rebel ranks.

The last line of the Basque defences, the famous iron ring, almost entirely mountainous, runs from Gorliz to Plenciahutron, L’Auquiniz, Fica, Zamudio, Galadacano, Zaratamo and Miravilles.

A message from Geneva , states that the note from the Spanish loyalist Government to the League of Nations is supported by documentary evidence and photostats of military orders. It makes no reference to Germany but claims to show the existence in Spain of complete units of the Italian Army, that these acted as an army of occupation and that distinguished Italians directed the proceedings, all of which is tantamount to an Italian invasion of Spain.