PLIGHT OF NAZIS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXV, Issue 218, 14 September 1944, Page 5

PLIGHT OF NAZIS

DEATH OR CAPTURE

Cut Off By Junction Of U.S. Armies In East France

N.Z. Press Association—Copyright Rec. 10.30 a.m. LONDON, Sept. 13. Death or capture are the grim alternatives facing the Germans, unofficially estimated at 40,000, who have been cut off by the link up in force of the armies of Generals Patch and Patton at Chatillon, says Reuters correspondent at Mediterranean Headquarters. The large bag of Germans remaining west of the new link line is officially described as containing scattered but substantial groups of personnel. The Southern France invasion forces have already captured 75,000. The net is now closing on Belfort. The French, on the Seventh Army's right flank, gained some five miles yesterday toward Montbeliard against relatively light opposition, but resistance is still strong near Pont de Roide, where the French are within ten miles of Belfort. The French forces, south-east of Chatillon, have made further rapid advances against weakening resistance. Forward elements reached Recey sur Ource and also pushed across the Saone River, north of Gray. American troops, further east, captured Vesoul. An enemy counterattack was beaten off west of Port sure Sabne. Stiff resistance has been met east of this area. The French, on the Seventh Army's right flank, have made additional gains but are meeting stubborn opposition at Pont de Roide. French forces chasing the Germans beyond Dijon have now liberated the whole of the famous Cote d'Or wine-producing district, which is the source of many of the world's greatest Burgundies, says Reuters correspondent at Dijon. The war passed over the area so quickly that none of the vineyards was damaged. There are many miles of the historic hillside vineyards between Beaune and Dijon which appear to be ready to bear rich crops.