ALLIES’ NEXT MOVE

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23946, 13 May 1943, Page 5

ALLIES’ NEXT MOVE

GERMAN ANXIETY AMERICANS SAID TO BE IN CYPRUS (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) (Rec. 8 pin.) LONDON, May 12. The latest reports from Europe and Near East countries indicate increasing Axis uneasiness about the Allies’ next move. Berlin correspondents of Swedish newspapers report that Americans have reached Cyprus, presumably as part of Allied invasion preparations. They say that an American divisional commander has arrived at Nicosia and that American troops have been going to Cyprus for the last two months. The Ankara correspondent of the British United Press says: “It is feared that Hitler may try to forestall any Allied invasion move by jumping across Bulgaria into Turkish Thrace in order to close up the so-called invasion gap. The Germans are urging the Bulgarians to wipe out unrest, the spread of which gives the Germans an excuse to move in.” The Budapest radio to-day reported that telephone communication between Turkey and Bulgaria had been discontinued. The Berlin radio reports that Himmler has visited Zagreb to form a crack division of Croat volunteers for fighting against guerrillas, whose activities are spreading throughout Jugoslavia. The Rome radio says that Jugoslav guerrillas shot hundreds of Italian prisoners and buried them in a huge cave. The Madrid correspondent of the British United Press reports that thousands of Italian workers are being hurried to Italy’s toe and also to islands nearby. Concrete defence works and anti-tank ditches are being constructed in Calabria, Sicily. Sardinia, and Corsica. There is no confirmation of reports that Goering has reached Rome for the purpose of conducting Italy's war. It is learned in London that the Germans, within 24 hours of the introduction of martial law in Holland, shot 26 Dutchmen and imposed the death sentence on 10 others, The victims were mostly industrial workers. German police are now patrolling the streets and shooting, under a new order, immediately they sight more than five persons together.

THE VICTORY IX TUNISIA

LORDS AND COMMONS PAY TRIBUTE CHURCHILL’S FORESIGHT PRAISED LONDON, May 11. Members of both Houses of Parliament paid tributes to the splendid work leading to the Allied victory in Tunisia, There was a special cheer in the House of Lords after a tribute to Mr Churchill given by Lord Samuel. Lord Samuel said that the success of the campaign was clue in very great measure to the Prime Minister's tenacity, foresight, and direction. The Deputy-Prime Minister (Mr C. R. Attlee) in the House of Commons paid a tribute to the way in which General Alexander and General Eisenhower’s forces had combined: It was a practical example of Allied co-opera-tion. Both the House of Lords and the House of Commons went into secret session a few minutes before Lord Cranborne and Mr Attlee made their statements in the respective Houses. Lord Cranborne concluded his statement by expressing the admiration of the House of Lords and rendering thanks to the men of the United Nations who had played their part in the signal victory. Lord Addison described the victory as “an achievement not surpassed by any previous example.” It spoke volumes for the organisation and cooperation which the different branches of supply and other services must have been trained to exercise. The Prime Minister of Australia (Mr J. Curtin), the Prime Minister of New Zealand (Mr Fraser), the Prime Minister of South Africa (General Smuts), and the Prime Minister of Canada (Mr W. L. Mackenzie King) were among those who telegraphed Mr Churchill on tho occasion of the Tunisian victory. Mr Curtin, on behalf of his Government and people, pays a tribute to the leadership and the gallant forces in the field. He adds: “We pray that, the campaign will be the prelude to a complete and speedy victory.” Mr King and the Canadian House of Commons record “our admiration of the courage and skill of the sea, land, and air forces of the United Nations, which so admirably combined into a single fighting unit.” Commanders Praised The contributing factors to the Allied success in Tunisia are mentioned in messages sent by Mr Churchill to the Allied commanders in the battle area. In a message to General Eisenhower, Mr Churchill referred to the brilliant result of the North African campaign and added: perfect understanding and harmony preserved amidst the shock of war between the British and United States forces and with our French allies, have proved a solid foundation for victory. The simultaneous advance of the British and United States Armies, side by side into Tunis and Bizerte, is an augury full of hope for the future of the world. Long may they march together striking down the tyrants and oppressors of mankind.” Mr Churchill’s message to General Sir Harold Alexander referred to the brilliant desert campaign carried out by the Bth Army which, he said, had added a glorious chapter to the annals of the British Commonwealth. To Air Chief Marshal Sir Arthur Tedder he said: “It is certain that the victories in Tunisia would never have been gained without the splendid exertion of the Allied Air Force under your skilful, comprehending direction.” In all his messages Mr Churchill asked that his congratulations should be extended to the others who helped in the campaign. The War Cabinet also sent messages of congratulation to the various commanders including Admiral Sir Andrew Cunningham, whose naval forces contributed largely to the victory by their work in the Mediterranean.

MEDITERRANEAN SEA ROUTE

BENEFIT TO ALLIED SHIPPING (Rec, 9 p.m.) LONDON, May 11. The United States Secretary of the Navy (Colonel Knox) told his press conference in Washington that the victory in Tunisia would open' the Mediterranean to Allied shipping, regardless of the Luftwaffe. He declined to estimate how long it would be before the Mediterranean was opened with supply ships operating under an Allied air umbrella based on the northern rim of Africa, but he pointed out the tremendous advantage resulting from the shortened routes to the Middle East, averaging 5000 miles. He said that an air umbrella would double the tonnage able to pass through. Colonel Knox admitted that the Axis possession of airfields in Sicily and Crete increased the dangers of the Mediterranean passage, and he observed that Allied possession of Sicily obviously would be a tremendous asset. He refused to answer questions about the possibility of Allied seizure of Sicily and Crete, saying: “Now you are dealing in terms that might suggest our future plans.’’ HITLER’S WHEREABOUTS LONDON, May 11 According to the German Official News Agency. Hitler is now at some unspecified place "in the west.”