CONFLICT IN SPAIN

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20926, 4 January 1938, Page 7

CONFLICT IN SPAIN

BATTLE OF TERUEL STILL IN PROGRESS Unl'ad Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, January 2. Reports from both sides in Spain indicate that the battle of Teruel still continues. Fresh snowstorms have increased the hardships for the troops. The insurgents claim that more of their troops have entered the town, but Madrid says that all insurgent attempts to force a way through the streets failed. It is admitted, however, a number of insurgents are still hanging on in the Santa Clara Convent.

FIERCE STRUGGLE RAGING

COUNTER ATTACK ON SKIS United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received January 3, 8.30 p.m.) LONDON, January 2. The Barcelona correspondent cf “The Daily Herald” says: The Republicans, led by battalions on skis, launched a heavy counter offensive at Tereuel. Despite General Franco's massed bombers, tanks and devastating new German quick-firing rifles, the insurgents were thrown back on the eastern flank. The Republican forces also isolated a column of Italian infantry in a narrow valley. A chaser ’plane belonging to the Republicans rammed a heavy Junker in midair and both machines spun down through the whirling snow.

A message from Saragossa says that troops on both sides are huddling round fires wrapped in blankets. The rebel headquarters admit that the snow has held up the offensive, but the roads are crammed with supplies, artillery and reinforcements. The Government side will be confronted with fresh troops from other fronts.

ANOTHER VICTIM DEATH OF THIRD WAR CORRESPONDENT United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received January 3, 6.30 p.m.) SARAGOSSA, January 2. The death has occurred as the result of injuries when a car containing war correspondents was hit by a shell, of Mr Edward Neil, American Associated Press correspondent. Mr Neil appeared better after an operation, but he gradually became worse. A priest gave him nearly a pint of blood and blessed Neil when he was obviously weakening. General Franco personally telephoned to Saragossa to inquire as to Mr Neil’s condition. He expressed the deepest regret on hearing of his death.

Mr E. R. S. Sheepshanks, Reuters’ special correspondent with the Insurgents, and Mr A. Johnson, an American journalist, were killed when a car in which they were travelling together in the Teruel battle area, suffered a direct hit from a Republican shell. Mr Neil, the American Associated Press correspondent, was wounded in one leg.