FIERCE BATTLE.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 18891, 5 January 1927, Page 7

FIERCE BATTLE.

NICARAGUAN WAR. CONSERVATIVES RETIRE. (bt cabli—pbiss associatios— coptrioht.) (australian akd x.z. cable assocutioh.) MANAGUA, January 3. The bloodiest battle in the present war against the rebellious tribes occurred at Pearl Lagoon. Lasting three days, it ended in a week-end victory for the Liberals, who overcame the Conservative rearguard. They did not attempt to bury over 300 dead. Many of the 90 wounded crawled into the swamps and died. Thousands of vultures hovered overhead to-day. The Conservatives, who - retired from El Bluff, have been disarmed by United States naval forces. President Diafc,' head of the Conservative Government, has issued a statement alloging that a third expedition sent by the Calles Government against Nicaragua, consisting of arms, ammunition, aeroplanes, and Mexican military personnel, is expected hourly on the Pacific Coast, and preparations are being made to repel it. ATTITUDE OF U.S.A. WITHDRAWAL OP FORCES DEMANDED. (AUSTRALIAN AJTD S.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION.)

WASHINGTON, January 3.

Senator Wheeler, Montana, introduced a motion to-day asking for the immediate withdrawal of the United States marines and warships from Nicaragua, where, it is alleged, RearAdmiraJ Latimer has declared a censorship in the territory occupied by the Liberals which would tend to hinder and obstruct the Liberal forces' attempt to establish a constitutional Government. Senator Wheeler declared that the State Department recognised the Diaz regime, notwithstanding the illegality of the election. It must have been ap* parent that Diaz, under suoh circumstances, could not maintain a stable Government, particularly without the aid of American gunboats and Ameri--can marines.