I FOREIGN SOLDIERS IN SPAIN

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLII, Issue 20606, 21 December 1936, Page 9

I FOREIGN SOLDIERS IN SPAIN

“VOLUNTEERS” ON BOTH SIDES GENERAL FRANCO’S PLAN OF CAMPAIGN United Association—By Electric Telegraph Copyright (Received December 20, 6.30 p.m.) LONDON, December 18. Mr Percival Phillips, special corresixmdent of the "Dally Telegraph," writing from Gibraltar, states that foreign reinforcements for General Franco are arriving irregularly at obscure ports and landing under the protection of insurgent warships. It is stated that 6500 Germans disembarked at the week-end, and it is believed that 15,000 are already in Spain.

The movements of these men from Germany are carried out with remarkable secrecy. They receive orders to embark for an unknown destination, which they are bound to obey. They arrive in mufti, accompanied by pack-ing-cases stencilled with German Government marks, and containing uniforms, in which they appear before entering their billets. All are clad in khaki of excellent quality. Tire golden German eagle worn on the men’s fcrage caps is easily distinguishable. The motor transport includes the latest German eight-wheel models. Many small tanks, which are believed to be of Italian make, have gone northward from Seville by train, accompaniedf by their personnel, which is either Spanish or Italian. Many Germans have also gone to Madrid. It Is undestood that General Franco is delaying his final attack on Madrid until he has completed his dispositions of men, guns and tanks. M. Dekerilis, a National member of the Chamber of Deputies, d' ’ires that 82,500 non-Spaniards are fighting in Spain, of which 54,500 are on the side of General Franco, including 30,000 Germans and 24,000 Moors. The Government forces include 12,000 French, 10,000 Russians and 2000 each of Belgian, Polish and German troops. U.S. GUNBOAT FIRED ON SIXTY-THREE KILLED IN AIR RAID ON MADRID

United Press Association—By El*otrio Telegraph —Copyright MADRID December 18. The rebel battleship Espana fired on the United States gunboat Erie, which was lying in the harbour. The Espana commenced to bombard the port when the Erie ran up the American flag and prepared for action. The Espana then headed westward at full speed. SHELL NEAR SHIP NO DAMAGE TO GUNBOAT United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright WASHINGTON, December 18. The Department of State has confirmed the report that a Spanish Fascist cruiser fired a shell which hit the water five hundred yards from the American gunboat, Erie, which was anchored in the port of Gijon. No damage was done, and no official action is contemplated. There was nothing to indicate that the Spanish vessel was attempting to hit the Erie.