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Size and Population.
4.
The islands can be divided into three groups:-
(a) Teneriffe and Grand Canary, the most important
of the archipelago.
(b) Western group consisting Palma, Gomera and
Ferro,
(c) Eastern group consisting of Fuerteventura and
Ianzerote.
The Grand Canary, which is mountainous, is approximately 25 miles square and had a population of 180,000 in 190.
Teneriffe, 30 miles N.W. of Grand Canary, is slightly larger with a considerably smaller population than the latter island. It is extremely mountainous.
Defence Forces.
5.
Spanish.
The two harbours of La Luz and Santa Cruz
are strongly defended:-
La Luz.
17 batteries ranging from 5.9 in. to 10 in. totalling some 48 guns.
Santa Cruz. 14 batteries ranging from 5.9 in. to
10 in. totalling some 33 guns in all.
A large number of the above are believed
to be of obsolete type, although modernisation is known to have taken
place in cone of the batteries.
Latest reports show the garrison of the islands to be:-
2 infantry brigados
3 independent battalions (probably
M.G. units)
1 Artillery group
1 Anti-Aircraft Auxiliary group
1 Regiment Moroccan Cavalry
2 Coast Defence Artillery Regiments)
6 S.81 bomber aircraft.
These units are not believed to
be fully equipped.
Reports show that the garrisons of these islands are being increased but extent of these reinforcements is not at present known, Warlike stores have been sent there recently.
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