The Fight for Teruel Reports from Barcelona and Salamanca of
the capture of Teruel inevitably conflict ; but it appears that, of the two strong- holds in which the insurgent garrison barricaded themselves, one, the Teruel seminary, has fallen, and the other, the Civil Government building, still holds out. It remains to be seen whether its defenders will be saved by the two columns marching to its relief. But there can be no doubt of the effect of the Republican attack on the course of the war. It appears to have taken General Franco completely by surprise ; and the Government believes that for reasons of prestige he will feel it necessary to interrupt his preparations for an offensive and try to recapture Teruel, a move which if unwise is none the less probable. But, in any case, the insurgents' offensive will have to be postponed. If General Franco has lost prestige the Government has gained, and it is noticeable that some commentators have already revised their opinion that the ultimate victory of the insurgents must be taken for granted. The gain by the Government is both military and political. After a continuous series of defeats, it has trained a " New Model " Army which, at its first test, has fully proved its value. Its success abundantly justifies the policy the Negrin Government has pursued.
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