"AT ALL COSTS."

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 309, 30 December 1940, Page 7

"AT ALL COSTS."

MUST DEFEND TOWN. Mussolini's Order To Italian Commander. United Press A»»ociation.—Copyright. (Reed. 10 a.m.) LONDON", Dec. 29. Apparently-unending lines of lorries are pouring men and materials westward 'from the Libyan frontier for the reinforcement of General Wavell'a forces • investing Bardia. • A large number of these lorries were captured from tbe ( Italians, and the British drivers declare the vehicles are excellent.

An Italian«prisoner stated that the commander at< f Bardia was preparing to evacuate that port when an urgent orderfcwas'.reMived direct from ATu*solini > that*h«-must * defend the town at all costs.

A v message from Cairo says Marshal Graziani has sent thousands of men to throw up additional fortifications at Tobruk, and the defence of Bardia Is designed to enable the completion of the work at Tobruk.

"On the night of December 20, several R.A.F. aircraft carried oi|t raids on Tofcruk, fires were started, but the full extent of the damage was not observed. Our fighters maintained active offensive patrols, during one of which a large formation of enemy ibombers, escorted by fighters was encountered. In the ensuing engagement one 579 and one CR32 were shot down and one CR42 probably destroyed. Four other S79's were damaged and may not have reached their base. Solium was Ibombed by the enemy. Only slight damage was caused." A Cairo General Headquarters communique • states:—"ln the Bardia area, ou> artillery has again been active with comparatively little responso from the Italian garrison. In the Sudan, southeast of Kannala, our patrols, supported by artillery, have successfully harassed the enemy."