BATTLEFIELD MAY BECOME VAST BOG

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 169, 19 July 1941, Page 7

BATTLEFIELD MAY BECOME VAST BOG

RUSSIAN FRONT Nazi Spearheads Outpacc Infantry t'niii'd Association I'opjright. Rec. 1 p.m. I.OXDON. July IS. What may prove to bo news of the first importance is contained in a brief message from the British Associated Press correspondent in Moscow, who says: "Rain is falling over the battlefields of western Russia, threatening to turn into a vast bog the territory churned up by Hitler's blitzkrieg vehicles." The German and Rumanian communique claims that strategic key positions in Bessarabia have been captured. Hotin. Soroca and Orheiu have been occupied, besides Kishenev. The fourth week of Hitler's onslaught against Russia finds the main Russian armies intact and able to give blow for blow. They are still capable of taking the initiative. Most neutral observers are now convinced that Germany's most spectacular claims are based on the progress of the advanced motorised units, which the infantry in many cases has* not consolidated. The chances of the German infantry keeping pace with panzer forces is reported to be growing worse rather than improving. Deep Penetration By Germans The Germans" greatest penetration lias been in the direction of Smolensk. 350 miles having been covered from East Prussia since the outbreak. The German communique claims that the break through the strongly fortified Stalin Line between Mohilev and Vitebsk has been widened beyond Smolensk, which was captured on July 16, despite stubborn resistance. All enemy attempts to recapture Smolensk have failed. German troops are claimed to be over 60 miles beyond the Stalin Line at some points, and operations are "proceeding favourably in all sectors." Germans Claim Women Prisoners The Finnish communique says German and Finnish troops in the Ladoga-Karelia area have advanced 96 miles in six days, cutting off large enemy forces from any way of retreat. The German troops advancing on Leningrad have captured 3000 prisoners, including a whole battalion of women. The Berlin news agencv last night admitted that the Soviet had launched strong counter-attacks against the German infantrv trying to link up the advanced motorised forces in the Kiev area. It was claimed that German artillery had broken up the counter-attacks. The agency stated that the Germans had also advanced toward Orsha, about 65 miles west of Smolensk, on the I railway from Minsk. A Russian communique states that according to incomplete data 31 enemy planes were shot down in the air and destroyed on the ground on July 17. The Russian losses were eight planes.

GOERING ARRESTED

Moscow Radio Repeats Split

In Nazi Party

HITLER'S INTERVENTION*

Rec. 1.30 p.m

LONDON'. July 18.

The Moscow radio says that only Hitler's intervention prevented Himmler, the Gestapo chief, from using incriminating material against Goering. The announcer, quoting well-informed sources, added that Hitler was forced to act in order to avoid an open split in the Nazi party.

The Gestapo, he stated, is closely watching Goering's close associates, Paul TCoerner and Kleiger, general manager of Hermann Goering Industries. Goering himself is under "house arrest." His removal from active leadership has greatly dissatisfied the leading industrialists and financiers.