PATROL CLASHES IN TUNISIA

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23805, 26 November 1942, Page 5

PATROL CLASHES IN TUNISIA

Slower Advance By Allies FORWARD TROOPS HOLD PASSES (Rec. 11 p.m.) LONDON, Nov; 24. Reports from Allied headquarters in North Africa state that the British Ist Army forced back advanced German units west of Bizerte. An American force, with a sprinkling of French troops, drove back advanced German units 24 miles south-west of Tunis. American paratroops who were landed some time ago to defend positions near captured aerodromes in southern Tunisia broke up a German armoured column and captured prisoners. The battle for air supremacy in Tunisia is developing rapidly. Land fighting has flared up in isolated engagements. An Associated Press of America correspondent from Allied headquarters says: “The Germans are still entrenched in the Bizerte and Tunis perimeter. The area under their control extends about 20 or 30 miles from the cities.” The concentration of the Allied troops is proceeding, though the advance, according to Reuter’s correspondent with the American forces, has

been somewhat slowed down by the arrival of an increasing number of German fighter aircraft and bombers. Nevertheless, aircraft of the A’lied air forces are severely punishing the enemy. The Royal Air Force is smashing up Bizerte harbour, and also Axis shipping and Axis-occupied airfields. United Nations’ fighter aircraft attacked enemy troop trains near Gabes, and shot down four Axis aeroplanes which attempted interception. The Axis is retaliating against Algiers and other places. The, Algiers radio appealed to the population not to stay in the streets during raids. The announcer said more people were injured by shrapnel than by bombs. Building up Resources “It is unlikely that the British Ist Army will attempt a full-scale assault until the Allied air resources in northern Tunisia are considerably greater than they are at present,” says the correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph" with the British Ist Army in a delayed dispatch. “Menwhile the battle for two important passes whose possession commands the entry into both Algeria and Tunisia, still rages. "British troops from southern England and Scotland hold the pass in the north, where the main battle is occurring. Into this pass debouch the two main roads from Bizerte and Tunis. The enemy is not giving these weary and rain-soaked troops any rest, feut they have their tails up. French troops, supported by newly-arrived British paratroops, hold a similarly important pass further south. “It should be emphasised that these forces are expected to hold the passes only until the massive strength of the force which will drive against Bizerte and Tunis is fully "ready to strike. The British Ist Army is well ahead of schedule, but not all essential supplies have been able to keep up with this compressed time-table." The arrival at Gibraltar of two more battleships, several cruisers, and destroyers, and also aircraft, suggests that British and American operations are about to take a new turn. "Local engagements are reported by forward troops of the Allied forces,” states Tuesday’s communique from Tunisia. “French patrols report continued activity in the southern sector. In the southern sector also an Allied force and paratroops unit repulsed an enemy mechanised column and captured prisoners. Our fighters shot down four enemy aircraft and attacked an enemy troop train near Gabes. Bombers have carried out night raids on Bizerte and Tunis. None of our aeroplanes is missing from these operations.” The sinking by air action of a small enemy ship off the southern coast of Tunis is reported. Near Gabes a train carrying Axis troops was attacked by Allied aircraft.

ALLEGIANCE OF DAKAR

GOVERNOR-GENERAL’S BROADCAST (Rec. 11 p.m.) LONDON, Nov. 24. The Governor-General of French Africa (M. Boisson) in a broadcast on the Dakar radio, emphasised that it had been his highest concern to uphold the sovereignty of French West Africa. He said the same motive led him to place himself under the. command of Admiral- Darlan, but he would npt have taken this step if he were not certain that he thus remained true to his oath of allegiance to Marshal Petain. M. Boisson asked the population of West Africa to accept his decision. * “Our country will remain free from foreign occupation,” he said. “The path which West Africa now enters with North Africa, and which is leading to the liberation of France and its chief, will demand sacrifices from all.” “Control of French West Africa will give the United Nations access to 1.000. dollars in gold stored at Dakar since the Nazi invasion of the Low Countries," declared the New York “World Telegram.” “In addition, 280.000. dollars in gold stored at Martinique have been placed beyond the reach of the Axis. The American authorities assume that Admiral Darlan will make the gold at Dakar available to the United Nations’ cause." The Germans are fortifying the south of France and have moved into the port area of Marseilles, according to German reports.

FORD WORKERS STRIKE

(Rec. 9 p.m.) WINDSOR (Ont.), Nov. 24 Twelve thousand workers of the Ford Motor Company are on strike, closing down the entire plant. Officials of the United Automobile Workers’ Union allege that the company hired women at 50 cents an hour, replacing men who were paid higher wages. Ecuador and U.S.—Senor Don Carlos Alberto Arroyo del Rio, President of Ecuador, briefly addressed the United States House of Representatives. He said that Ecuador’s links with the United States. were loyal, fraternal, and strong, in the light to preserve the cause of democracy and justice..— Washington. November 24,