The History of the Basques and the Iron Belt

The nationalists knew most of the details of the Iron Belt and this emboldened Mola in his planning for its eventual destruction. When planning their attack the nationalists had more organized troops and were experiencing none of the supply shortages of the republicans. In total the attack would be under the command of General Mola with a northern army of over 100,000 men. With the Ultimatum rejected the attack would begin at 9.40am on March 31st. It would begin with an extensive artillery, barrage and bombing raids with the goal of isolating the forward Republican troops.