ROMMEL’S AIM IN AFRICA

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23891, 9 March 1943, Page 5

ROMMEL’S AIM IN AFRICA

KEEPING ALLIES ON DEFENSIVE AMERICAN ESTIMATE OF POSITION (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) (Rec. 10 p.m.) NEW YORK, March 7. "Marshal Rommel disdains territorial gains, and only seeks to keep the Allies on the defensive, knowing that once he is beaten a great continental offensive can be mounted," says a correspondent of the "New York Times" in North Africa. "The most dangerous phase of the German delaying action opened with Marshal Rommel's attack against the Bth Army just when General Montgomery was preparing an offensive. "It is estimated that at least 300 tanks, and the cream of the German artillery and infantry, were rushed southward to win time for strengthening the Axis fortifications in southern Europe. If Marshal Rommel this time succeeds, the Allied plans for a general attack must be postponed for at least six weeks. Even the most pessimistic Allied observers realise that Marshal Rommel's situation is impossible and that he will be driven from Africa sooner or later, but right now it seems likely to be later. "When Marshal Rommel's attempt to cross the Kasserin pass failed he was able to withdraw with losses which are believed to have been trifling compared with, those of the Allies. Indeed, Marshal Rommel captured more tanks than he lost. Consequently the Allied forces on the central front were temporarily exhausted and useless for offensive purposes. After this, Marshal Rommel flung his 10th Armoured Division and at least 13 infantry divisions northwards against the British positions, inflicting very severe casualties and forcing us to shelve, at least temporarily, all idea of an attack in that area." The correspondent considers that General Sir Bernard Montgomery will check Marshal Rommel, but doubts if the Bth Army will be able to launch an immediate counter-offensive. "Probably Marshal Rommel, after breaking off his action with General Montgomery, will withdraw northwards for another crack at the Ist Army," he adds. NORTH TUNISIAN FRONT ALLIES REGAIN INITIATIVE AMERICANS WITHDRAW FROM PICHON LONDON, March 7. Sunday's communique from Allied headquarters in North Africa states: "On the Ist Army's front in northern Tunisia, the enemy's widespread offensive efforts have relaxed, and we have regained the initiative. Our patrols were again intensely active, taking more than 100 prisoners, and generally consolidating the recent gains in all sectors. "Our fighters were particularly active throughout the day on the northern front, and fighter-bombers attacked enemy vehicles successfully. In the Bth Army area fighter-bombers made attacks on enemy columns and concen-

trations of tanks and motor transport. One enemy fighter was destroyed, and three of our aircraft are missing." The Official German News Agency claims that the Axis forces in Tunisia, in a surprise thrust, captured Cap Serrat. Reuter's military correspondent says the loss of Cap Serrat, which is not yet officially announced, would be natural, as the British Ist Army is most likely to fall back in this sector conjointly with its withdrawal from Sedjenane. In the central area it is stated that American light forces, after capturing Pichon, have withdrawn from the town, to positions just outside it, because it is still commanded by German forces on the surrounding heights. Further back in central Tunisia Alied forces are reported to be within two miles of Gafsa. A French North Africa communique states: "The day was calm- on our front. In the plain of Ousseltia several enemy patrols were destroyed. Prisoners were taken." A detachment of Fighting French paratroops have arrived at Algiers after an adventurous trek from the banks of the Nile, by way of the Kufra oasis.in southern Libya. The paratroops, after blowing up the GabesSfax railway, penetrated German positions near Gafsa, and joined up with General Giraud's forces. JEWS IN NORTH AFRICA VICHY DECREES HELD INVALID (Rec. 10 p.m.) LONDON. March 7. Following the publication of Vichy's decrees against Jews in North Africa in the official Algerian Gazette on March 2, General Giraud dismissed M. Bouni, who was head of the department responsible for the decrees, and abolished his department, says the Morocco radio. General Giraud emphasised that Vichy's decrees were invalid in North Africa. They were gazetted without his authority. ANNEXATION OF ALSACE GENERAL GIRAUD'S PROTEST (Rec. 10 p.m.) LONDON. March 7. General Giraud to-day protested against the German annexation of Alsace and Lorraine, says the Algiers radio. General Giraud said his Government rejected and did not recognise the incorporation of Alsace into the Reich. "The Vichy Government has remained silent. There is nothing to be expected from this phantom government. It no longer represents France." Mr Gandhi Recovering.—Mr Gandhi's son. Mr Devadas Gandhi, said in Bom-1 bay yesterday that his father was well on the way to recovery after his fast. —London. March 7. F-ench Officials Reinstated.—General Nogues has issued a decree reinstating French Government officials whom Vichy sacked, and also repealing the law prohibiting listening to foreign broadcasts.—London. March 7. i