MAIN STRONGHOLD

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 356, 10 February 1937, Page 5

MAIN STRONGHOLD

DEFENDERS FLEE. Italian And German Troops Directed From Graf Spee. Press Association—Copyright. London, February 8. The rebels became masters of Malaga, the last stronghold of the Spanish Government in the south-east and important as a potential naval base, when nine columns, some of which were mechanised and all of which were equipped with the most modern armament, converged in an attack on the town to-day. According to insurgent reports, the garrison, numbering 40,000, was unable to withstand the combined thrust and eventually was completely demoralised. While panic spread among the leaders of the Red Unions, many defenders flung down their rifles and fled. One account relates that as the militia fled thousands of women carrying children dashed to greet the insurgents, thanking them for bringing “freedom from the Marxist hell” and declaring that they had not eaten anything for days. An insurgent broadcast declares that hundreds of dead and wounded were found in the streets as Government supporters at night, completely out of hand, pillaged, burned and murdered hostages and prisoners. General de Llano claims that the insurgents are pursuing the enemy, who are fleeing along all the roads, also by the cliffs to Motril and Almeria.

Government supporters allege that the insurgent attack was carried out by 20,000 Italians and several thousand Germans directed by a German staff aboard the German warship Grat Spee.