AT STANDSTILL

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 37, 13 February 1943, Page 5

AT STANDSTILL

FIGHTING IN NORTH

Armies Massing For Battle While Snowstorms Rage

N.Z. Press Association.—Copyright Rec. 11.30 a.m. LONDON, Feb. 12. Heavy snow in Tunisia has almost brought fighting completely to a standstill, but has not slowed down the pressure on both sides to reinforce their armies for the great battle ahead, says Reuters correspondent at Allied headquarters. The thaw and mud which will follow the show is likely to hold up any large-scale attack in the immediate future. Such weather may be expected until at least the end of February. Judging from the German preoccupation with the defence of the Tunisian corridor, coupled with the fact that several thousand anti-air-craft personnel have joined von Arnim's forces since February 1, it appears the enemy intends to make a most determined stand before relinquishing Tunisia to the Allies. The Dakar radio reports that Allied planes have dropped leaflets over the German lines in southern Tunisia, telling them of the big German defeat on the Eastern Front. The British and French sweep against the Italian line in the Mateur sector ended with a great success, says Reuters correspondent with the First Army. Our troops killed a considerable number of Italians and returned with Italian and German prisoners and valuable information. They lost a mere handful of killed and wounded. It is considered that the sweep anticipated and effectively prevented enemy action thought to be imminent in this area.