SLOWING DOWN OF GERMAN OFFENSIVE

Auckland Star, Volume LXXV, Issue 305, 26 December 1944, Page 5

SLOWING DOWN OF GERMAN OFFENSIVE

N.Z.P.A.—Copyright.—Rec. 2 p.m. LONDON, December 25. The German offensive has been slowed down to-day (Monday) more than on any day since the attack was launched, says the British United Press correspondent with the United States forces on the Western Front. "This," he adds, "applies equally to the northern sector along the line running from Monschau to Malmedy and Stavelot, and on the westward and also the southern sector of the Bastogne area, and in the central St. Vith sector. "There are no grounds for sudden, easy optimism, but there was reason to believe that the Allied Command has been able to throw sufficient forces against the enemy to make him pause. The first phase of the German offensive has thus ended."

Reuters correspondent on the American front says the American defence of Bastogne, which slowed the southern wing of the German offensive, will rank as an outstanding feat. The Americans, who were reinforced by only a trickle of airborne supplies, held this important Belgian junction against all . the Germans could throw in.

The Germans have made gains south-west of Bastogne and now hold Rosiere, nine miles south-west of Bastogne. They have also taken Libramont, six miles farther west, states a British Press correspondent with the United States forces, in a dispatch received late to-night. The correspondent says these gains were made on Sunday.

Seventeen Miles Into Belgium

Reuters correspondent says that with the capture of Libramont the Germans have advanced 17 miles into Belgium. German tanks and infantry are also attacking in the vicinity of Marvie, one mile and a half south-east of Bastogne. There has been little change in the Martelange-Diekirch areas, and only patrol activity south-east of Echternach.

Reuters correspondent at 21st Army Group Headquarters says the situation in tne past 24 hours has not become worse. Some German tank and infantry groups have made progress but Von Rundstedt's forces are being held elsewhere, and the Germans have not reached the Meuse River or captured any places of real importance. The German news agency to-night said the Allied armies have begun large-scale counter-attacks against the southern flank of the German wedge into Belgium.

Von Rundstedt continues to probe westward with powerful tank and infantry patrols, says the Associated Press correspondent. Several small groups of Germans were taken prisoner while reconnoitring American positions. The northern and southern flanks of the main penetration seem to be holding fairly solidly. German infantry units in considerable strength, supported by tanks, have made some progress.

Considerable enemy air activity in front and rear areas was reported during the night. Clouds have somewhat obscured the skies to-day, but there are signs that the weather will clear, perhaps permitting of a continuation of yesterday's powerful air assault.