NAZI PREPARATIONS

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 122, 18 February 1944, Page 5

NAZI PREPARATIONS

Offensive Against French Patriots LONDON, February 16. ‘Reuter reports that about 600 German troops, are now in the Haute Savoie (the district south of Lake Geneva),.,preparing for an all-out offensive against’French patribts hiding in the mountains, according to reports received in French quarters in London. A tense atmosphere prevails in the district. Telegraph and telephone communications have been cut'and road communications are most difficult.

At least 10 road blocks may be met over a distance of 30 miles, each manned by from IO to 20 soldiers. Cement walls 4ft. high are beiug built across the principal roads. At Annecy the military authorities are arresting many ‘of the gendarmerie, and a mass deportation of the male population is being carried out At Grenoble very heavy snow fails are hampering tlv movements of the forces operating in the region which so far have consisted solely of Vichy elements. The patriots are also suffering from the hardships of the weather, but their morale is stated to be excellent.