General Franco's push on the Ebro front is the largest offensive yet, tempted, according to information: reaching London. The size of the manauvre, which has been in pre-aration for some months, partly accounts for the apparent delay in Beginning it.
'Well-informed reports puy the latest total of Nationalist troops engaged at. 100,000 men, who must cover a 500- mile front' and' assure communica tions. It is Believed there are at least 200,000 men attacking on the Ebro front, among whom, according to unofficial but reliable reports, there are. about 25,000 Tlalian troops, constitute ing practically the whole of the Mahan land forces in Spain.
The position is expected to be clearer "by the time Mr. Neville Chamberlain, the Prime Minister, is due to visit Rome.
While General Franco claims that the "victorious advance" of the Nationalist forces, in Catalonia, contin" nes, the Republicans have reported that the push has now begun to "mark time." Except for small territorial gains on the south flank, the Nationalist attacks have been well held in check, states a Spanish Press Agency telegram, from Barcelona, Which has been received here—
Reuter.
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