Nationalists Smash Republicans in Big Battle; Invaders in Sight of Sea; Barcelona Panicky With Nationalist Troops in Catalonia, Apr. 4.
marched victoriously in 47 B.C., Spanish Nationalist forces tothe city along the same streets through which Caesar day fought their way into Lerida, key town on the Catalonian front, and routed remaining Republican troops, Nationalist headquarters announced here early to-day.
Isolation of Barcelona from Madrid and Valencia was believed imminent and with it, the possible collapse of the Republican Government. While the left wing of the Nationalist forces were occupying Lerida, the right wing was said to have driven across the Pandos Mountains and reached a point within sight of Tortosa, less than 20 miles from the Mediterranean.
The right wing columns were expected to continue their drive toward the sea to cut communications between Barcelona and Republican territory in southern Spain.
Nationalist headquarters said Lerida has been occupied by two strong columns which converged from opposite directions. Occupation of the city established the Nationalists. only 84 miles from Barcelona.
Nationalist troops began entering Lerida at dawn and had wiped out all opposition by 3 p.m., the Nationalist communique stated. The Republicans were said to have put up terrific resistance, but scores of Nationalist planes, a fleet of whippet tanks and 300 pieces of field artillery crushed remaining Republican defenders of the key city of the Lenin Line.
The Republicans made their last stand in the ancient Cathedral palace Nationalist forces directed their artillery on the building, blasting the doors open and shattering Republican sand-bag defences inside. A fleet of tanks crossed the debris followed by Moroccan troops hurling grenades and clashing in bitter hand to hand fighting with Republican survivors. Republican forces in the building were annihilated. in which the United Press office is located.—United Press.
Saragossa, Apr. 4.
The fall of Lerida has thrown Barcelona into a near-panic and the exodus from the city has intensified.
Refugees arriving in Perpignan from Barcelona paint a black picture of conditions in the Catalonian capital. They declare that the extremist elements in Catalonia, who do not hesitate to use threats, are responsible for the continued resistance to the Nationalists. It is stated that barely a quarter of the men of mobilizable age has answered the latest call to the colours.
Nationalist troops have taken Pinella and Mora, in Tarragona province, and are now nearing Cherta, 16 miles from the sea, while other columns from Jaca, North Catalonia. moving parallel to the French frontier, are reported to have gained ninety miles without serious opposi rhe Nationalist communique added that' numerous Republican troops were taken captive during the occupation of the town. Many captives were members of the famous Lister Brigade, the announcement said.
The Republicans were reported forming a new defence line sixteen miles north-east of Lerida near Balaguer.—United Pres Nationalists S hell Madrid Madrid, Apr. 3.
Nationalist batteries outside Madrid to-day opened up the heaviest bombardment of the former capital in the past eight months.
Dozens of shells hit in the heart of the city. Estimates of the dead ranged from 75 to 125 while about 200 persons were known to be wounded More than 2,000 shells were fired into the city during the day, wrecking buildings and spreading terror throughout the city.
A United Press correspondent who left a cafe terrace when the bombardment began, looked back a few sce-ends later and saw the terrace had suffered a direct hit. Three direct hits were also scored on the building
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