The Ebro Battle General Franco's latest and greatest attack on
the Republican positions on the Ebro appears at length to have achieved considerable success. This week the insurgents occupied Mora de Ebro, a key position on the right bank ; it is possible that its capture may finally force the Republicans to retire across the river. If they do, they can be satisfied that their task has been achieved, for the long-continued Ebro battle put an end to General Franco's advance on Valencia. But once again the Republicans may deprive General Franco of success, as a sudden attack across the river Segre, south- west of Lerida, has enabled them to occupy insurgent territory which General Franco will feel bound to recapture ; and the diversion on the Segre may prevent him from pushing home his success co the Ebro. The last attack on the Republicans has been characterised by an even more lavish use than before of aeroplanes and artillery ; the Republicans claim that further assistance has been sent from Italy, and it is certain at least that Italian airmen and tanks have played an important part in the Ebro offensive. A new and alarming development in the war, which may lead to difficult com- plications, has been General Franco's naval operations against Spanish vessels in .the North Sea.
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