LATEST WAR NEWS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 170, 7 June 1940, Page 5

LATEST WAR NEWS

GREAT NEW OFFENSIVE GERMAN DRIVE TO PARIS ALT JED LINES HOLD FIRM ■The new German offensive which has as its objective the French capital was resumed at (lawn yesterday along the whole of the line from the sea to the river Aisne. It was characterised by dense masses of enemy columns backed up by infantry and co-ordinating aircraft. The Allied foices effected a slight withdrawal in the Somme area, where better strategic . positions were taken up. Elsewhere the lino remains firm. « * <n * The French Spokesman stated last evening that the Germans had not as yet occupied Solssons though a great number of enemy-tanks had been mustered in that area. Tilers' had been a heavy artillery bombard ment in other sections characterised by a predominance of smokeshells which were calculated to disturb the French rear operations., The Germans were in effect trying to fkid a soft "spot in the line hut so far had not made any . penetration . m . ® Many of the French new positions, continued the communique were strengthened by the natural lay of the and tanks advancing were often bogged and ren. dered useless, Avhile the following infantry were caught in the crossfire of Avell concealed French posi-* tions. The operations were not, as in the first stages, being hindered by the refugee problem, which liad paralysed many of the original AI-4 lied attacks. Also the first element of surprise tactics was now over and the invaders were now mora evenly matched. S » * * The R.A.F. continues to harrass the enemy lines of communication. Flights made yesterday destroyed food concentrations, and bombed, military objectives. Oil storage tanks in Belgium and Holland were also - attacked and set on fire. Three of our planes failed* to return. a m ■■ ' The German raiding aircraft Avere again "active yesterday and several French towns including Rhouen were visited. Several raids Avere also made on Britain. A coastal town was attacked and areas in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. Most of the bombs fell in the open coun-» tryside and no material damage is reported. m■* » » Fresh measures to ensure the preparation of urgently needed Avar materials have curtailed the manufacture of certain articles of clothing, cutlery, glassAvare and other commodities in England. The lines affected do not include food of any kind, or any Aital necessities. a * « * The Manchester Guardian in a special article of preparedness against the possibility of parachute im T aders, issues a general AAarning to the public in the folloAving terms: If you are confronted by a bla,nd young man in field grey, Avith perhaps a folding bicycle and other articles of equipment, who enquires the Avay to the nearest aerodrome, the correct ansAver is Tm sorry but I'm a stranger round here myself.* You may be shot, continues the article, but you will have done your duly.