BATTLES IN SPAIN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 20 April 1938, Page 7

BATTLES IN SPAIN

DESPERATE FIGHTING IN PYRENEES INTENT ON CUTTING OFF CATALONIA FALL OF TORTOSA ANTICIPATED MADRID, April 19, The insurgents are fighting desperately in the foothills of the Pyrenees with the object of finally isolating Catalonia. They are throwing in artillery, tanks and planes. In a battle in West Andorra, where the Republicans are reported to have been repulsed, the insurgent losses in one day are said to number 1500. Heavy fighting continues at Tortosa, the fall of which the insurgents believe to be immient. ITALIAN LOSSES CASUALTY LIST PUBLISHED IN ROME ROME, April 18. The twelfth list of Italian casualties in Spain, published today, shows that 204 have been killed in the Ebro sector since March 9. REBEL CLAIM GOVERNMENT WARSHIP SUNK LONDON. April 19. A communique from Salamanca by radio claims that a Government warship was sunk and four other vessels damaged by aerial bombing off Cartagena. Eighty tons of bombs were dropped. AIR PILOTS THIRTY-NINE GERMANS & ITALIANS. CAPTURED BY LOYALISTS. (Recd This Day, 11.35 a.m.) MADRID, April 19. The loyalists have captured thirtynine German and Italian pilots as a result of air battles in Eastern Spain.

WAR WON

ACCORDING TO GENERAL FRANCO. ALLEGATIONS OF WHOLESALE MURDER. (Recd This Day, 11.35 a.m.) BURGOS, April 19. General Franco, broadcasting, said: “We have won the war and our forces are now fighting the last nounds in the reconquest of Spain.” After extolling the achievements of his regime, he accused the loyalists of murdering over 400,000 persons and declared that they would be called to account for the alleged murders. He reiterated a programme of plentiful and well-paid work for all. the reformation of the Press and the attraction of tourists io Spain.