RAID DAMAGE IN BELGRADE

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23301, 10 April 1941, Page 7

RAID DAMAGE IN BELGRADE

NEWS BROADCAST FROM CAPITAL KING SPEAKS TO PEOPLE ■ , ' LONDON, April 8. The Belgrade radio came on the air to-night lor the first time since the bombing of the capital, and gave the first official Jugoslav news of the fighting. This was the first communique of the Jugoslav High Command which said that from news received from all fronts, the battle was progressing favourably.' Heavy enemy attacks had been.'repulsed With, vigour, inflicting many casualties. The Jugoslav Air Force had especially distinguished itself. Belgrade also broadcast the first description of the bombing of the capital. On Sunday morning, It was stated, heavy enemy raiders claimed many Innocent viptims ahd left a great part of the.clty_.in ruins. Thus the_flrst unprovoked attack were.innoceni bystanders in Jugo:reslStaiice to .support her na-, tlonal hohpur and Independence."On*,the ruins of the capital will rise a new.Mjetter, and greater Belgrade, the brokdctjstey Stated., , ■ - King Peter of Jugoslavia, speaking over the Belgrade radio to r mght, broadcast 1 a ■ moving proclamation to his people. The Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, he said, had been forced to fight a war which they had endeavoured to fend off, because all wanted to live in peace, freedom andindependence. Jugoslavia had withstood ruthless attacks in the past, and would do so now. >' He; said the people could remain ealiffiU confident in God and the righteousness of their cause, and take comfort in their, unity. They would do iheir duty as a united people. "Forward to victory,” concluded the King. ?; The b’Hlv Other news item broadcast by Belgrade said that Dr, M. Krek the Jugoslav Miiiister for Public Works and Leader the Slovenes, had been siite? thW;t r , troon trains sustained a hit by bombs- '4fl ! In ilea, , north-west of Bel r grade and. that,,the .Belgrade station was completely burnt; out, . ; A ’ from Vichyj . which Is not other- sources, states that thMamage to B : flays arid of bombing attacks U extensive. Many people were killed find buildings were left in flames. BRITISH MINISTER IN JUGOSLAVIA ■ ; LONDON, April 8. In, spite of the dislocation of com- , munitions in Jugoslavia the British Government is in touch with _the British Minister ‘ in that ~ country (Mr Ronald Spbell). The Minister and his Staff are safe and well. ' -i! ■ LEGATIONS UEAVE BUDAPEST V i 0, •' fhi British', Embassy announced that ihei Stdftr Of the* British, Greek. Bel- ' -glid. and' Butch legations In -Budapest ‘ . on their