LITTLE CHANGE IN LIBYA

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23845, 14 January 1943, Page 3

LITTLE CHANGE IN LIBYA

Tanks With British Advanced Units

ENEMY PREPARING DEFENCES (N.Z. Press Association —Copyright) (Rec. 11 p.m.) LONDON, Jan. 13. To-day's Cairo communique says: “Yesterday patrol activity continued. Otherwise there is nothing to report from our land forces. “Although sandstorms hindered air activity over the battle area yesterday, five enemy fighters were destroyed. Sicilv and Homs were attacked on Monday night. Targets in Crete and Sicily and on Lampedusa Island were effectively attacked yesterday by Allied light bombers and fighter-bombers. Two of our aircraft arc missing, but the pilots are safe," Strong tank forces have joined the British advanced units in the Wadi Zemzem area and the first tanks have begun the attack, declared the Morocco radio to-day. British patrols have been extremely active against enemy positions in the last few hours.

The correspondent of the British United Press with the Bth Army at Buerat states that Marshal Rommel, from all signs, intends to make a stand between Buerat and Misurata. The enemy is working hard, digging and blasting for defences, which are evidently intended to protect his right flank from an attack from the desert.

Observers also report that Marshal Rommel is massing tanks, armoured units, and motor transport. Allied aeroplanes lately have been busy attacking enemy vehicles beyond Misurata and between Sliten and Homs. Reuter’s correspondent in Cairo reports that a larger number of Axis aeroplanes appeared over the Buerat area yesterday. Five were shot down and many others were damaged in fierce dogfights. The Ankara correspondent of the “New York Times” says Germany has rushed fresh troops to Crete, including a division specially trained to resist commando and parachute operations. The Germans are steadily strengthening the Aegean and Dodecanese Islands.

CONQUEST OF THE

FEZZAN

SUCCESS OF FRENCH FORCES LONDON. Jan. 12. Announcing that the Fighting French force operating from LakeChad has occupied Murzuk. capital of the Fezzan (far south in Libya), General le Clerc’s headquarters states; "The conquest of Fezzan is now achieved. Troops under the command of Colonel Ingold occupied Murzuk. the capital of Fezzan, and Sebha, the main military base. In both cases almost the entire garrison was taken prisoner. “Further north, our advanced elements have made considerable progress. They met and engaged an

enemv motorised force, and alter a lively battle the enemy withdrew, leaving in our hands an armoured car and much booty.” General le Clorc’s success in completing the conquest of Fezzan after a drive of more than 1000 miles in three weeks from his base at Lake Chad is most important. His forward elements, driving northward, routed an Axis motorised detachment and is now reported to be only about 300 miles south of Tripoli, where they represent an increasing threat against Marshal Rommel's southern Hank. Mhrzuk is the religious capital of Fezzan. Sebha is the chief military centre.

The fast-moving French native camel corps, travelling along the frontier of Tripolitania and French Africa parallel with General 1c Clerc’s forces, has taken Fort Charlet, which is approximately on the same level as Murzuk. The camel corps covers 35 to 60 miles a day. General 1c Clerc will benefit from the activities of others of his men who arc roaming the Tunisian border as he travels further northwards. The Vichy radio admits that Italian forces in Libya have regrouped following attacks from Allied forces advancing from the Lake Chad area. GEUMAN PROPAGANDA FILM CAPTURED LONDON, Jan. 12. Reports from North Africa say that when Marshal Rommel invaded Egypt and seemed likely to reach the Nile. Goebbcls, the Nazi propaganda chief, had a film prepared showing the Axis forces sweeping on to Cairo and Alexandria and crossing the Suez Canal. Copies of the film were distributed to all occupied countries for exhibition as soon as Egypt should be in Axis hands. Marshal Rommel’s force was smashed at El Alamein and commenced its 1000mi Ic headlong retreat. Goebbels wailed long enough to be sure that Marshal Rommel had been really routed, and then called in all copies of the film. A copy sent to Algeria, however, was overlooked. It has now come into British hands and will shortly be exhibited in London.

Sweden Strengthens Forces.—Revealing that he had ordered the immediate reinforcement of the armed forces, King Gustav of Sweden, at the opening of Parliament, said: “During the last year the world political situation has been further aggravated. As long as the war lasts we must reckon with risks demanding constant watchfulness.”—London, January 12. U.S. Subjects in France.—A Washington message says that the United States State Department has bfficially protested against Germany’s “autocratic action” in placing American diplomats and nationals at Lourdes, in France, under guard by storm troopers before moving them to Germany.— London, Jan, 12.