A SUMMARY OF THE SITUATION

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 208, 30 May 1941, Page 8

A SUMMARY OF THE SITUATION

No further British communique has been issued on the battle oi Crete, and it is stated in London that it is impossible to assess tin exact situation as the struggle is being carried on at close quarters Evidently the main battle is being fought round Canea. Describe as the fiercest of the war, the struggle becomes more intense ever;, hour as the enemy brings more men into action, including now som tanks. There arc yet only inconsiderable enemy landings from <L sea.

On the other hand, the British have landed more rein forcemen i. probably on the southern side of the island, and these specially trained guerrilla fighters are advancing toward the main forces against increasing opposition. The R.A.F. is making a stirring effort from Egypt, and planes are constantly battering the enemy. Vichy announces that Germany has permitted the French ait force to be reconstituted for the defence of the colonies. It :s alleged that British bombers have attacked chemical stores in Tunis. French North Africa. It is also reported that French fighters nsisted a British raid in an air battle over Syria.

The position on the Western Desert has again become fairly static. British bombers have been active in raids on Germany and occupied territory and on enemy shipping. On Wednesday night northwest Germany was raided. German air activity over Britain on Wednesday was on a heavier scale than of late. President Roosevelt has announced that he docs not intend to ask for the repeal or'revision of the Neutrality Act, with which lie hopes to reconcile the 'doctrine of freedom of the seas. He was expected to make a statement clarifying the convoy issue, but has not done so. Support for the state of unlimited emergency is coming from all quarters of the United States.