SEA REACHED

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 90, 18 April 1938, Page 7

SEA REACHED

Rebel Drive In Spam COMMUNICATIONS CUT BARCELONA ISOLATED BIG BATTLE IN THE AIR (Times Cables) Received April 17, 6.5 p.m. LONDON, April 16. The Tinies’ Hendaye correspondent says: The rebels have reached the Mediterranean at Alcanar and Benicarlo, cutting off Barcelona and taking possession of 15 miles of sea coast, A rebel radio message is being repeatedly broadcast/ urging the Madrid garrison to surrender and enter the rebel lines. A Saragossa message says that rebel troops have entered Vinaroj, cutting the road and rail communications between Catalonia and the remainder of Spain. A Madrid message says that General Miaja announces that Senor Negrin has empowered him to assume full control in Central Spain, following the cutting of the republican territory. A message from Barcelona says that a series of dlr battles is raging round Vinaroj. The largest clash occurred when three squadrons of Government bombers accompanied by 40 fighters attacked insurgent destroyers and troopships escorted by a big fleet of ’planes which were attempting to land troops ana supplies from the Balearics. At least four 'planes were seen to crash into the sea. Meanwhile the rival air fleets are fighting over the insurgents’ new positions on the coast. MORE MEN TO SERVE LOYALIST REINFORCEMENTS. TRADES UNIONS OFFER. MADRID, April 15. The trades unions are offering for war service all fit men between the ages of 17 45 years. The recent special appeal has resulted in the enlistment of 15,000 loyalists.