FIERCE FIGHTING.

Wairarapa Age, 8 October 1936, Page 5

FIERCE FIGHTING.

BOTH SIDES IN SPAIN ATTACKING. BATTLES RAGING AT OVIEDO AND NAVALPERAL. DEFENDERS CLAIM SUCCESS. LONDON, October 6. A message from Madrid states that a three days’ attack by the insurgents on the key position at Navalperal, 40 miles north-west of Madrid, is reported to have been repulsed. Madrid also reports heavy fighting at Oviedo, where 15,000 miners flung bombs and sticks of dynamite against the rebels holding the centre of the town and the hefghts dominating the streets, whence there was poured u withering fire from machinegun nests. The insurgents claim to have repulsed the attack. PUSH TO MADRID. AIR ATTACK IN SANTA CRUZ SECTOR. HEAVY REBEL LOSSES REPORTED. (Received Wednesday, 7.25 p.m.) LONDON, October 6. Although there has been no advance of froops General Franco began a push to Madrid by an all day air attack in the Santa Cruz-Deretamar sector. Bombs have been showered on an eight mile front and an early advance is expected. The battle of Navalperal continues with unabated fury. The rebels, despite heavy losses and repeated repulses continue to hurl themselves against deadly artillery. A fierce battle is also continuing at Oviedo, where the Government troops are redoubling their efforts to capture the city. Government troops who were taken prisoner at Toledo are now assisting to clear the ruins of the Alcazar and the adjoining streets. FATE OF HOSTAGES. CONSIDERABLE APPREHENSION CAUSED. EXECUTIONS PROCEEDING DAILY. Received Wednesday, 7.25 p.m.) LONDON, October 6. The “Daily Telegraph’s” diplomatic correspondent says apprehension regarding the fate pf seven thousand prisoner hostages in Madrid is reflected in messages from the diplomatic corps. Executions of men and women •re proceeding at the rate of 50 to 60 daily and it is feared that terror will be intensified as Madrid’s danger grows. Visits to the mortuary are now forbidden, heightening the mystery regarding the fate of the victims. Foreign diplomats are doing ail possible to influence the Government forces to adopt more humane treatment.