THE ADVANCE ON SARAGOSSA

Southland Times, Issue 22956, 31 July 1936, Page 7

THE ADVANCE ON SARAGOSSA

Both Sides Active PREPARATION FOR BIG CLASH REBELS USE AIRCRAFT EFFECTIVELY (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) London, July 29. The day in Spain has been devoid of decisive activities, but full of preparations for the resumption of hostilities’ on a large scale. The principal engagement’ was at Astride, in the Sierra Guadarrama, in which rebel artillery and loyalist aeroplanes participated in a thunderous conflict. Though hundreds were killed on both sides the opposing forces remain in a state of deadlock. The loyalists are estimated to number 50,000 and the rebels 40,000. General Mola’s aeroplanes, augmented by three triple-engined bombers from Seville, flew over the loyalist entrenchments and bombed the line of Government troops on the advance between Madrid and Buitrago, in order to prevent reinforcements reaching the battlefront. The Catalonian loyalist expeditionary force, destined for Saragossa, has advanced its line, but the general assault awaits the completion of the attackers’ dispositions. “If all goes well Seville will be the headquarters of the General Staff of the insurgent forces,” declared General Franco, who has returned to Tetuan (Morocco) after consultation with General de Llano who, broadcasting from Seville, claims that the aeroplanes sent to Malaga destroyed several Government machines there. General Franco adds that the Riffs are anxious to assist the rebels by forming their own regiments, under his officers. He requests the British authorities at Gibraltar to keep clear of Spanish Government warships in the Straits in order to avoid damage during an attack by his aircraft —20 threeengined Junkers and 20 Caproni bombers. Transport planes are expected next week in order to convey Moorish sharp-shooters and Foreign Legionaries across the Straits. Seaport Captured. The Seville wireless reports that the seaport of Huelva, whose loyalist inhabitants were hastily preparing bombs to repel an expected attack, was taken by the insurgents, who entered the Government offices and secured many prisoners and munitions. They released the Fascists from gaol. Throughout the day activity prevailed among the aeroplanes carrying troops between Morocco and Algeciras. The submarine C 3 was sunk when bombed by rebel aeroplanes, but the C 4 was able to proceed to Tangier for repairs. General Franco has protested to the International Committee of Control against the use of Tangier, which is an international port, by Government craft, which make it their headquarters for harrying rebel shipping in the Straits. The committee has accordingly constituted a commission composed of the commandants of foreign naval units in the harbour to control the port and also police the danger zone. Prince Carlos, brother-in-law of the Prince of the Asturias (ex-King Alfonso’s eldest son), left Cannes for Burgos following the departure of the Vicomte de Rocamara, aide-de-camp to the Prince of the Asturias, a week ago. The people of Gibraltar witnessed a thrilling episode when a rebel plane bombed a Government submarine patrolling the straits and is believed to have sunk it. The Government claims to have brought down seven rebel planes. During a fierce aerial fight over Granada rebel planes sent down in flames three Government bombers which had previously bombed St. John’s Hospital.