ITALIANS LEAD OFFENSIVE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20673, 11 March 1937, Page 9

ITALIANS LEAD OFFENSIVE

FIERCE ATTACKS ON MADRID

CONFLICTING NEWS FROM CAPITAL SEQUEL TO SINKING OF MUNITION SHIP Onlted Press Association—By Electric Telegraph- Copyright (Received March 10, 7.30 p.m.) MADRID, March 10. Prisoners captured on the Guadalajara front, report that two fullyequipped divisions, under an Italian, General Pozzi, are leading the insurgent offensive In this sector, which Is apparently designed to close the remaining outlets from the capital. An Avila message states that the Insurgents are now advancing along the Guadalajara road, which is a vital element in Madrid’s communications with Valencia. Since the insurgents have already cut the direct road to Valencia between Vaclamadria and Arganda, the continuance of the insurgent advance therefore spells the death of Madrid. Deserters from the Government ranks declare that large quantities of war material are being removed from the capital to prevent their falling into the hands of the rebels. REVIVAL OF ATTACKS ENEMY’S STRONG FORCES United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, March 9. There are indications that the insurgents are renewing the attacks on Madrid in three sectors, and are reported to be meeting with considerable success. A fierce battle is in progress in the upper Guadalajara sector, where the rebels claim to have taken 15 miles of territory. Madrid admits that the enemy attacked heavily with 30 tanks and massed artillery, but claims that the Government forces stood firm, and later launched a counter-attack. Fighting is also progressing on the Siguenza front. Insurgent Claim General Dellano, broadcasting from Seville, claims that several columns, advancing on that front, captured a number of places, including Almadrones, Alaminos, Castejon, Dehenares ai.d Mirabueno. He adds that the Government forces, including the international brigade, fled, leaving 50 dead. The insurgents captured many prisoners. LOYALIST LEADER CONFIDENT LEFTIST SUPPORT OF LOYALISTS United Press Association—By Elertrla Telegraph—Copyright (Received March 10, 8.30 p.m.) MADRIu, March 10. The gravity of the situation in the capital led the left group to hold a n -tional council, resulting in the renewal of their unconditional adhession to the Loyalist Government. It was decided to place at the Government's disposal, all the military units organised by the party, aggregating 30,000. General Miaja reiterates confidence ir his ability to withstand the enemy, despite their delivery of five successive major attacks. SINKING OF SPANISH VESSEL REBELS PENETRATE CAMOUFLAGE United Pres, Association—By Electric Tel egraph —Copyright (Received March 10, 7.20 p.m.) LONDON, March 10. The elaborate precautions taken for the safe arrival of the Marcantabrico were defeated by the still more remarkable secret service organisation under General Franco's control, combined with the stupidity of the Loyalist authorities at Santander. These, for some undisclosed reason, refrained from signalling the steamer that she could enter the harbour, resulting in her aimlessly cruising about outside, and eventually becoming a victim to the rebel cruiser Canarias. The Marcantabrico, far from having sunk, in flames, is still afloat, with the fire extinguished, and is being escorted to Fehrol, the rebel port on the northwest of Spain. The Canarias had exact information of the Marcantabrico’s movements, and was apprised of her disguising herself by way of camouflage as the Newcastle steamer Adda. The final elements of the mystery were cleared up when Pablo Juan 800, one of the Marcantabrico’: crew arrived at Arcachon, after being Picked up ly a French trawler. Crew of Steamer Shot Down 800 told how the vessel arrived off Santander on Monday, but was denied entry for twelve hours, when the Canarias hove in sight and began a bombardment lasting four hours, and giving a bad list to the Marcantabrico, and causing fire in one hold. 800 stated: “The rebels boarded us and took off the passengers. Then things began to happen. No quarter was given. The rebels pursued the crew into all the corners of the ship and shot them down. An Italian and I hid, and by a miracle were not discovered. I shall never forget the sharp bark of the revolv-rs. Each shot meant another of my comrades was hurled into eternity. Finally the Italian and I jumped overboard. The rebels fired at us in the water. The. Italian was no swimmer, and he slipped from my grasp and disappeared. I had given up hope when I was hauled aboard by a French fisherman." PLANS TO DECEIVE REBELS CONFUSION OF FLAGS United Press Association—By BDertrlc Telegraph— Copyright BORDEAUX, March 9. The maritime authorities, in an official statement, regarding the sinking of the Marcantabrico say that the

vessel impersonated a British ship, and flew the Spanish flag at the stern and British at the bows. She bore the name of Adda, Newcastle, plainly marked. When the Canarias approached the Marcantabrico sent out the Adda’s wireless call, drawing British destroyers in the belief that a British ship was attacked. The Marcantabrico was never on lire. When the destroyers arrived firing stopped and the Canarias made off. DUTCH PRECAUTION'S CRUISER FOR SPANISH WATERS United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received March 10, 7.30 p.m.) THE HAGUE, March 10. The Dutch cruiser Java has been ordered to Spanish waters to protect Dutch shipping, following the insurgents interference with the Dutch steamer Triton, which was taken in to an Insurgent port. AMERICAN NEUTRALITY LAWS COMMENT ON SINKING OF STEAMER United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received March 10, 6.30 p.m.) WASHINGTON. March 10. Congressional advocates of the “Cash and Carry Provisions” of the Pittman Neutrality Bill, cited the sinking of the Marcantabrico, as a perfect example of the merits of their programme. They pointed out that all title to the cargo of war materials had been transferred from American interests and therefore did not involve America. The presence of American aboard, indicated in the latest despatches, would have been forbidden under the Pittman measure.