NAZI CLAIMS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 168, 18 July 1941, Page 7

NAZI CLAIMS

OVER-OPTIMISTIC ?

British Comment On Soviet

Dour Resistance British Ollu-hil Win-it .--'. Rec. 1.30 p.m. IUGBY. July 17. While mention for the first time in a Soviet communique of fighting in the Smolensk region indicates some German advance in this sector, there is no evidence that. German troops have yet caught up with the gains claimed by Hitler's special communique last week-end. The magnificent and determined resistance which the Red Army and the Soviet people are putting up against the hard-striking invaders, fills the British people with admiration of their latest Allies and confidence in their lighting ability.

That the situation is full of danger is realised, but it is also clear that German hopes are by no means being fulfilled. Two days ago a military spokesman in Berlin stated that unless something went wrong the Nazi troops would occupy Leningrad within 2-1 hours. More than is hours have elapsed, but still there is no indication that the former Russian capital contains any people other than its legitimate citizens. Something must "have gone wrong" from the Nazi viewpoint, and it would appear to be that the German thrust in this direction was vigorously dealt, with by the Russian command—a clear indication that Nazi claims to have exhausted Russian reserves are at least premature.

Again, at the week-end. claims placed Nazi troops immediately in front of Kiev, and also on the open road to Moscow, following a "penetration of the Stalin line at all important points." As far as is known Kiev Is still in Russian hands, and the most advanced German troops are at least 200 miles from Moscow.

All reports received here speak of the high morale of the Russian fighting forces and of the civilian population. The Luftwaffe has by no means obtained mastery of the air, and the Russian air force is only too anxious to bring the German pilots to battle. Soviet workers, both farm and factory, are taking their part in the struggle, and the" Russian railways are functioning well.

The great "battle block," which is about 200 miles wide, is certainly still moving eastwards, but not at any great speed, and within that block rival forces are locking in the struggle. Nothing decisive yet has taken place, and from the Nazi point of view, considering the mass of men and materials they are employing, probably nothing even substantial.

A typical British view of the whole situation is that given by the "Daily Telegraph" editorially: "The loss of cities and territory, though the suffering will be cruel, will not defeat Russia," it says. "As long as her armies hold together and keep the field, and her factories and transport system furnish them with munitions, she is invincible. We have our part to play, by making such havoc of industries and communications in Germany that the Reichswehr and the Luftwaffe cannot maintain their strength."