nationalists Admit Retreat of Wedge on Coast; Republicans Massing for Lerida Offensive Hendaye, Apr. 17.
Coineident with reports of a huge Republican—counter-offensive pending in the Lerida sector, neutral observers here expressed belief that the Spanish War cannot possibly end before mid-summer, Even should the Nationalists complete a string of smashing victories in the north, it was pointed cut, neither they nor the Republicans now possess sufficient reserves, planes, or artillery to launch an offensive or counter-offensive sweeping enough to end the war. by the latest impartial news from the front. reaching here.
The Nationalist high command. in a telegram received here from I Saragossa, denies that Benicarlo ha faller, but at the same time admi! "strategic retreat" at "a cer point." At the same time Republ sources are now declaring with in creasing insistence that the situation is "less grave" and that their forces have received new supplies of war material, shortage of which first prevented them from resisting the Nationalist push effectively.—Reuter.
Furthermore, the Republicans give every indication of waging "last-ditch" resistance both in the north and the south. and any anticipation of a Republican collapse in the north vanished today when Nationalist planes reported that thousands of Republicans are moving forward for a counter-attack on Lerida. the recapture of which is said necessary for reasons of strategy.
Republican El. i Barcelo Apr. 18.
Spani-h Republican Govern-
tier ist attempts to extend their troops have defeated Na-wedge near the Mediterranean southwards, tes a communique published here. The communique adds that near Camarasa, situated inland and north-east of Lerida, the ts were forced to withdraw
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