SLAUGHTER IN SPAIN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 August 1938, Page 5

SLAUGHTER IN SPAIN

TOWN VIRTUALLY WIPED OUT BY REBEL BOMBERS PROGRESS IN THE EBRO OFFENSIVE. DENIAL OF INSURGENT REPORTS. By Telegraph—Press Association. Copyright. LONDON, July 30. Nationalist aeroplanes practically razed the town of Falset, an important Government communication centre between Gandesa and Tarragona, today. Thirty-five persons were killed and 106 injured, but hundreds ,are still buried under the debris of the houses. A message from Hendaye states that severe fighting continues on the Ebro, and the republicans have advanced three miles toward Gandesa. Nationalist planes, working in relays, are unceasingly bombing their communications. A Saragossa message states that the insurgents claim that the Government offensive has now shot its bolt, and that the attackers are in danger of isolation. Barcelona reports that the Government denies that its advance has been stemiped and states that only one road is open to the rebels to leave Gandesa. The Foreign Minister, Senor del Vayo, states that he is most satisfied with the progress, brilliance and precision of the offensive, which could not have been equalled even in peacetime manoeuvres. ATTACKS ON SHIPS.

DISCUSSIONS WITH FRANCO. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, July 30. The Under-secretary for Foreign Affairs, Mr R. A. Butler, gave an assurance in a Parliamentary answer today that the proposals under discussion with General Franco for a commission to investigate the cases of bombing of British ships did not imply any recognition of the legitimacy of indiscriminate air attacks on ports remote from the battlefront or of attempts to establish a blockade bymeans of aircraft. DELIBERATE BOMBING. DESTROYER WATCHES SINKING OF KELLWYN. ’ LONDON, July 29. The Under-Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Mr R. A. Butler, stated in the House of Commons that reports suggest that the sinking of the British steamer- Kellwyn in Gandia harbour was deliberate, and that if it is confirmed the Government will immediately ask for an investigation.

The Civil Lord of the Admiralty, Lieut.-Colonel J. J. Llewellyn, admitted that the destroyer Hero watched the vessel sinking but did not act, as her instructions were not to protect British shipping in territorial waters.