RUSSIAN OPTIMISM.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 64, Issue 61, 21 December 1943, Page 3

RUSSIAN OPTIMISM.

LONDON SEES JUSTIFICATION.

COUNTER-ATTACKS REPULSED,.

(Rec. 10.15 a.m.) LONDON, Dec. 20. Striking Russian gains, reported in a communique issued last night, naturally focus attention on this northern sector, where for the first time troops of “the Baltic front” are mentioned. Such a designation is thought to show considerable optimism on the part of the as it implies the hope and tlje intention to advance to the Baltic; but it is felt in London that such optimism is sure to be justified. The Moscow radio says: “The Soviet offensive is made more difficult by numerous lakes and swampy terrain. Cloudy weather made action by the Soviet Air Force difficult, but Soviet troops, having launched an offensive simultaneously from three directions, broke through the enemy’s defence zone on the first day. In the first three days over 150 localities were liberated, including the district centre of Yezerisch. The enemy constantly brought up fresh reserves and launched up to 17 counter-attacks daily, but the Soviet troops continued their offensive, winning one position after another.” Little is known here of the army General Bagramyan is; commanding on the first Baltic front. An Armenian, he was chief of staff to Marshal Timoshenko earlier in the war, and was commander of an army in the heavy fighting in the Byelborod-Orel sector last summer. He holds the Order of Suvarov (first class). —British Official Wireless.