BATTLE IN SPAIN

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 2, 4 January 1939, Page 7

BATTLE IN SPAIN

HARDEST OF THE WAR REBELS WELL AIDED BY ITALY AND GERMANY GENERAL FRANCO SATISFIED (By Telcffraph—Pres* Association—Copyright) Received Jan. 3, 8.10 p.m. BARCELONA, Jan. 3. The Defence Minister describes the present conflict as the hardest battle of the war, adding that the loyalists have captured Italian prisoners whose statements have proved that the offensive is endowed with overwhelming assistance from Italy and Germany. Nevertheless, the rebels had to attack four or five times before capturing every hill. Then the Republicans would go singing into counter-attacks, aflame with patriotism and to increase the cost to the invaders of every foot they hold. Loyalists claim that the rebels’ crack formation, namely the First Navarrese, has suffered 30 to 40 per cent, casualties. A message from Hendaye says that General Franco at present is satisfied with the progress of the offensive because 12,884 have been taken prisoner since December 23, apart from severe loyalist casualties. The rebel occupation of Loma Alta dominates the road leading to Reus and, in addition, jeopardises Tortosa. The Saragossa correspondent of the British United Press says that 20,000 rebels stormed Juncosa, midway between Borjas Blanca and Falset. achieving an advantage of 25 miles and halving the distance to Tarragona.