TENSION GROWS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 241, 12 October 1942, Page 3

TENSION GROWS

OILFIELDS THREAT

Arc Germans Too Late To Cross Caucasus?

I P A. and British Wireless

Rec. l p.m. LONDON, October 11. German pressure in the Mosdok region has certainly not relaxed, and both here and on the Black Sea coastal belt the Russians are called on daily for new efforts in vigilance courage and tenacity. The Russians 5 aggressive operations in the western Caucasus remain an inspiration

According to the German official news agency there is evidence that the Russians are preparing an offensive at other points. The agencv says these are: (1). south of Stalingrad. (2) in Voronezh area, and (3) in the region north and east of Smolensk.

I he situation is growing increasingly tense in the eastern Caucasus, \vhoie t he Germans are throwing in further reinforcements. The resistance, however, remains firm, and some ground has been regained on the main sectors. The Germans in the Mosdok attacked 10 times within the past 48 hours. All the attacks were repulsed, and 700 Germans were killed. Soviet Guards are counter-attacking i;i another area, where the Germans lost ;>">00 men in the past few days.

The German communique states that Alpine troops in the northwestern Caucasus dislodged the Russians from further hill positions and a Russian force, which is encircled, is pressed in a very narrow area, and its destruction imminent. The Luftwaffe has continued its strong night attacks on Grozny, causing heavy destruction.

The Berlin radio declared that the Germans seized an important, ridge alter which they took in the rear a strong Soviet force, which was stationed south of tnt road to Tuapse. The Soviet force is encircled and is resisting strongly, hut more than half is annihilateci.