THE RETREAT IN LIBYA

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23538, 16 January 1942, Page 5

THE RETREAT IN LIBYA

ROMMEL’S PLANS NOT YET CLEAR ENEMY AIR ACTIVITY INCREASES (Received January 15, 11 p.m.) (U.P.A.-8.0.W.) LONDON, January 15. There is no fresh news from Libya to indicate whether General von Rommel intends to make a stand in the El Agheila area. From reports and communiques from the Middle East it is considered likely in London that the retreating Axis forces may be forming a new line reaching from a few miles east of El Agheila to Marada in the south. There is speculation whether this line constitutes a "stand” by the Axis forces or whether it is merely a defensive measure to cover the westward retreat of the main body. The increased enemy air activity is probably attributable to the recent improvement in the weather in the area. For the second night in succession Tripoli harbour was effectively attacked by heavy bombers of the Royal Air Force on Monday. Aircraft also bombed the aerodrome at Catania in Sicily. Catania, because of its importance to the Axis for attacks against Malta and shipping in the Mediterranean, is heavily defended by anti-aircraft gun batteries, but in spite of the fierce opposition the raid was successful and bonfbs fell on or near the runway. Broken cloud again spoiled visibility over Tripoli, making it difficult to assess the damage caused by the bombs. A sergeant pilot, however, reported that after making two dummy runs over the target his first stick of bombs straddled the north corner of the Spanish quay, while a second stick exploded along the inside of the quay. A Royal Air Force communique, describing the raids, say»; “In spite of heavy rain and severe electrical storms, bombers of the Royal Air Force raided objectives at Tripoli and El Agheila on Monday night. At Tripoli bombs were dropped on the main quay and along the southern edge of the harbour, but details of the result were not observed. At El Agheila bombs burst among vehicles and buildings north of the aerodrome, causing much damage and a series of explosions and a number of fires. . “In Sicily the aerodrome at Catania was effectively attacked. Enemy positions at Halfaya were again heavily bombed throughout yesterday. Direct hits were obtained on gun positions and fortifications and motor transport vehicles were attacked with good results. In the forward areas our fighters were active between El Agheila and Agedabia. ~ , , . “Malta was raided on a number of occasions on Tuesday, and some damage was done. One Messerschmitt 109 was shot down by anti-aircraft gunfire “From these and other operations four of our aircraft are missing. RAIDERS OYER MALTA 17 ALERTS IN 24 HOURS (8.0. W.) RUGBY, January 15. Malta had 17 alerts during the 24 hours ended yesterday evening, according to a press message. During Tuesday afternoon there were two alerts, when small enemy bomber forces with escorting fighters crossed the coast. On each occasion the enemy aircraft were engaged by antiaircraft fire, ‘which caused them to turn back. Royal Air Force fighters were up. but there were no interceptions. Bombs were dropped near the coast There was some civilian, damage and one person was slightly injured. Later on Tuesday evening another alert sounded, but no enemy aircraft crossed the coast. Eight alerts were sounded during the night and early yesterday for a small number of enemy aircraft which crossed the coast and dropped bombs, causing slight civilian damage but no casualties. During these night raids the enemy was continually engaged by anti-air-craft fire. Six alerts sounded yesterday, but only two enemy bombers succeeded in crossing the coast. These were engaged by anti-aircraft defences. Some bombs were dropped. Fighters were up and gave chase to the enemy bombers. There was only slight damage from these raids. PUXISHMEXT OF XAZI CRIMES DECLARATION MADE IN LONDON COMMENT IN BRITISH NEWSPAPERS (8.0. W.) RUGBY, January 14. Great Importance is attached in Britain to the decision reached by the governments of the oppressed countries of Europe to exact retribution for the monstrous crimes of agents of Axis Powers in the invaded countries. - “The Times” says that the joint declaration, “by proposing to seek out and punish persons guilty of the worst barbarities of Nazi tyranny, rejects the hateful doctrine of corporate responsibility which Nazism, both before and since the war, has sought to propagate. It is no part of the Allies’ programme to make whole races and communities suffer as Hitler has continually done for offences committed by some of their members. “The new Europe must be purged not only of Nazi savagery but of the Nazi doctrine which provided theoretical justification for collective brutality at the expense of whole nations.” The “Manchester Guardian” calls the Allied declaration a message to the whole world. It adds: “Selfish, selfcentred men and peoples have persuaded themselves in the past that they have done enough if they live their own lives and set an example of orderly government. They know to-day that if the world is not governed by an active sense of duty and readiness for the self-sacrifice of all who believe in justice and freedom, it will be governed by methods described at yesterday's meeting, employed by men who know no law except their savage will.” JUGOSLAVIA AXD GREECE IMPORTANT AGREEMENT TO BE SIGNED (8.0. W.) RUGBY, January 14. i n important agreement is to be concluded between the Greek and Jugoslav governments in London on Thursday. These two countries, more closely allied than ever before by their common misfortunes and by their joint determination to defeat the Axis, have prepared the ground for collaboration in the important tasks of reconstruction which will follow their victory. According to a United Press Association message, the diplomatic correspondent of “The Times” reports that the Greek and Jugoslav Governments have completed a far-reaching agreement providing for the closest post-war economic and defensive co-operation, with a customs union and common defence frontier*.