DECISIVE CLASH EXPECTED

Southland Times, Issue 22948, 22 July 1936, Page 5

DECISIVE CLASH EXPECTED

Forces Converging BOTH FACTIONS CLAIM SUPREMACY MADRID RETURNING TO NORMAL (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 1.20 a.m.) Madrid, July 21. The Government, after its victory m Madrid, is preparing a last decisive blow against the rebels. Strong loyal forces, including the Air Force, are ready to march north to meet General Mola’s rebel force, which is now on its way from Burgos. The clash may occur at the Tierras Guadavmarra mountains 40 miles from the capital. The Government has broadcast an appeal to the people to resume work in view of restoring normal conditions as soon as possible. Newspapers were sold in the capital for the first time since the revolt, and shops are reopening. It is claimed that all has been quiet in Madrid since noon yesterday. A Street Battle. Sixty are believed to have been killed in a street battle at San Sebastian. It appears that the Government controls the principal towns in Spain, and is gradually dislodging the rebels who, however, are still strongly established in Spanish Morocco. Valladolid, Saragossa and Seville are now in Government hands. Loyal troops, assisted by civilians, are reported to have crushed a rebellion in the Balearic Islands. The rebels claim that General Franco is marching towards Madrid from the south, while General Mola, with troops from Burgos and Navabra, is proceeding to the capital from the north. The rebels also assert that they have control of the provinces of Cordoba and Ceuta.

General Franco in an interview stated: “Our plan is proceeding with mathematical accuracy. We are now preparing operations which will wipe out the lesser centres of Communist machination. Our movement comes at the right time, because the conditions on certain warships have shown how intense is Communist propaganda in the naval forces. How necessary was our swift, energetic action! Otherwise civilization would have suffered a serious setback.”