INVASION OF EUROPE

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23972, 12 June 1943, Page 5

INVASION OF EUROPE

MEASURES AGAINST ALLIED ATTACK

GERMANS RESTRICT ROAD AND RAIL TRAVEL (Rrc. 11.10 p.m.) LONDON, June 11. Apart from the Germans recalling their U-boats from the Atlantic for the defence of Europe, many reports arc reaching London of growing apprehension of an Allied invasion of Europe. The Stockholm correspondent of the “Daily Express” states that for the first time since the war began the German road system—the Reichs Autobahnen, which was built at Hitler’s orders—has been closed to private traffic. The German authorities say that the roads are being put to the service of the war effort.

Railway directors have been notified of further restrictions on travel. Breakdowns of railways are becoming increasingly frequent and there is open criticism of Hitler in Germany on the ground that he blundered in concentrating on. the road system and neglected the railways, also that road traffic failed to keep the armies in Holland. Belgium, and France fully Supplied. The American correspondent, William Shirer, author of “Berlin Diary,” believes that Hitler can be beaten this year. He states: “The quick and complete surrender of the German army in Tunisia is one of the most encouraging signs we have had since the war began. If good and perfectly disciplined troops will crack up this way the people at home may be expected to crack all the more readily. The quickest way to beat Hitler is by an invasion of the Continent by the shortest and most direct route possible,” he states. "We must get a big infantry force on the Continent for a stand-up fight with the German army.” “Reports from Vichy confirm that Marshal Rommel has been chosen to command the defence forces along the western part of the German Mediterranean wall, with temporary headquarters in the Riviera,” says the Madrid correspondent of the “Daily Mail.” “He is now making frantic efforts to organise the defences. The building of forts, artillery emplacements, and anti-aircraft posts is reported to have been speeded up, but the Mediterranean wall is still far from complete.” An “army protection ordinance” has been published by the German military commandant in Belgium and Northern France, states the Belgian News Agency. It provides for the imposition of the death penalty for acts which may compromise the safety of the Reich or the occupying authority, or disturb the peace of the occupied territories.