GERMANS ATTACK IN IASY AREA

Press, Volume LXXX, Issue 24272, 1 June 1944, Page 5

GERMANS ATTACK IN IASY AREA

Wedges Driven Into Soviet Defences ENEMY LOSES 50 TANKS (N.Z. Press Association —Copyright) (Rec. 7 p.m.) LONDON, May 30. For the first time since the fall of Sebastopol on May 9 large-scale fighting has broken out on the Russian front. The Germans have attacked the Russian lines, west of lasy with strong forces, and succeeded in driving wedges into the defences. According to to-night's Moscow communique, 50 German tanks were destroyed and 30 enemy aircraft were shot down. The communique adds that the rest of the front was quiet. It is too early yet to tell the nature of the German attacks, but it is more likely that they are spoiling sorties rather than the beginning of ,a largescale offensive. The German Overseas Radio’s military correspondent reports; “The prolonged lull in Russia was broken on the southern part of the front. The air over the front yesterday resounded

with the drone of Luftwaffe formations. With the .outskirts pf lasy as their particular targets, hundreds of bombers strafed Soviet troop columns, and'artillery and anti-tank positions. Full-scale air battles went on. The Luftwaffe was also in action over other sections of the front.” “The front is charged with tension as both sides prepare for what promises to be a titanic clash," says Reuter’s Moscow correspondent. “A Soviet commentator declares. ‘We shall meet our Allies in Berlin.’ ” Another commentator, over the Moscow radio, says "The rapid Allied break-through in the strongly fortified German lines in Italy is especially significant in view of the imminent great battles in the west.” RUSSIAN PLANS FOR POLAND STATEMENT BY POLES IN AMERICA (Rec. 12 mid.) NEW YORK, May 30, •The Polish-American Congress has adopted a memorial endorsing, Mr Roosevelt’s policy of recognising the Polish Government in exile and refusing to recognise European territorial changes achieved by force. The memorial says that the occupation and retention of Polish soil by invading Russiah armies would disturb the future of Europe in total disregard of international morality and justice. INVASION DATE STATEMENT MADE BY ROOSEVELT (Rec. 9 p.m.) WASHINGTON, May 30. Clarifying a statement he made at a press conference last Friday, Mr Roosevelt said that in predicting that the invasion of Europe would be some time this summer, he considered June, July, and August as the summer mpnths. He was not thinking of summer as beginning on, June 30. The Vichy Minister of Information (Henriot), broadcasting, said that the Allied air forces were operating in conjunction with squads of French saboteurs who cut communications and blew up vital transformers. Thousands of rumours were current, he said. Everyone was tense with expectation. Members of the French underground movement have launched a recruiting drive throughout France. The Maquis are trying to mobilise all young Frenchmen. Their slogan is: "The hour of liberation is approaching. We need you all.’’ Columns of partisans daily arrive in French villages and towns find call on the young men to join them. EXPLOSION IN BOMBAY AMMUNITION SHIP BLOWS UP (Roc. 7 p.m.) BOMBAY, May 30 The Government of India is paying £19,000,000 in compensation for civilian losses caused when an ammunition ship blew up at the Bombay docks on April 14. Insurance companies are expected to pay a further £12,250,000. The explosion caused a series of fires in the dock area, killed 336, and injured 1000. DISSATISFACTION WITH SPAIN MR ROOSEVELT’S VIEW (Rec. 10 p.m.) WASHINGTON, May 30. Indirectly taking issue with Mr Churchill’s statement on General Franco. Mr Roosevelt declared that Spain had been less than satisfactory in its operations as a neutral. He added that the amount of exports from Spain to Germany had been cut naterially. but not enough.