NEXT NAZI MOVE

Evening Star, Issue 23881, 10 May 1941, Page 11

NEXT NAZI MOVE

ATTACK ON CRETE AND EGYPT USE OF AIR-BDRNE TROOPS LARGE FORGES BEING ASSEMBLED Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, May 9. The Cairo correspondent of the ‘ Daily Express ’ says that firsthand information indicates that the Germans are gathering parachute troops and air-borne troops in the Middle East for attacks on Crete and the Western Desert, and for operations in Syria and Iraq. Sicily, Benghazi, Athens, Rhodes and the recently-seized Greek islands are being used:as bases. Large numbers of Junkers are being assembled, each capable of carrying 30 men equipped with extra parachutes for supplies. These men carry more hand grenades and ammunition than ordinary infantry. They are distinct from air-borne troops, who carry petrol, motor cycles, machine-guns, and small armoured vehicles. The Germans are reported to have begun an intensive re-equipping campaign in Greece, Bulgaria, and Rumania, and are concentrating air-borne contingents. Some of these are already employed, carrying supplies to Tobruk from Benghazi. The Italians and .Germans are also building up forces in Rhodes and Leros, for which reason an attack on Crete may be expected soon. In the meantime General Sir Archibald Wavell, Admiral Sir Andrew Cunningham, and Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Longmore are building up their forces. It is estimated in Palestine that Crete is twice as strong as it was a fortnight ago. The Cairo correspondent of the ‘ Daily Mail ’ says there is definite information that Rashid Ali has been negotiating with Germany, with the Italian Minister in Bagdad, Signor Bagrielli, as intermediary. Germany definitely promised a quantity of- planes and big' stores of ammunition by May 2, after which Rashid Ali repeatedly protested to Germany about their nonarrival. The Iraqi insurgents feel that they are in desperate plight, and can be 'saved only by last-minute Axis help. It is believed that this situation has induced Germany’s demands with regard to Syria.

“SUSPICIOUSLY NOISY” JAPANESE REPORTS OF SOVIET ACTIVITY DENIAL FROM MOSCOW LONDON, May 9. The Moscow radio denies Japanese reports of Soviet activity in the Middle East. It describes. the reports as “ suspiciously noisy the product of a distressed mind.” PARACHUTE TROOPS BRITAIN’S FORMIDABLE FORGE (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, May 8. Armed with pistols, rifles, Bren guns, and tommy guns, British parachute troops, even .in small numbers, form a formidable' fighting force. “ There is nothing German parachute troops can do that we cannot do.” said a senior officer of this force to-day. All the men forming this force are volunteers, and come from practically every regiment in the British Army. They are of perfect physique and trained to be selfreliant fighters. Drops can be made by fnlly-trained parachutists from as low as 500 feet, as the parachutes are so constructed as to open almost simultaneously with leaving the aeroplane. About 10 men is the average load for a plane. ALIEN DOCTORS EMPLOYMENT IN BRITAIN LONDON, May 9. The Minister of Health (Mr .Ernest Brown), replying to a question in the House of Commons, said that alien doctors in the Pioneer Corps were being considered for employment in hospitals and institutions, equally with others of Allied or enemy nationality, through machinery set up by a central Medical War Committee. TREATY TO BE SIGNED FRANCE AND THAILAND BANGKOK, May 8. It is officially stated that the Government has instructed the Thai Peace Delegation in Tokio formally to sign the Francb-Thai Treaty, thus ending lengthy negotiations. Thailand is paying France about 5,000.000 ticals for utilities and improvements in the ceded areas.