BRILLIANT PERFORMANCES

Evening Star, Issue 24016, 15 October 1941, Page 7

BRILLIANT PERFORMANCES

FEATS OF RED AIR FORCE HAMPERING GERMAN DRIVE LONDON, October 13. A German infantry division was today bearing the brunt of the Russian counter-attacks while the armoui'ed columns after 11 days of savage fighting are hastily reorganising for a new thrust against Moscow, says the Stockholm correspondent of the * Daily Mail.’ The Russians seized the opportunity to counter-attack and harass tho enemy. The Red Air Force has been prominent in these harassing activities. Another correspondent says the brilliant performances of the Russian Air Force in hampering the German drive recall the immortal record of tho R.A.F. over Dunkirk when tho outlook was darkest. The Moscow radio to-night stated that a Soviet attack was launched against a point which the Germans were using as a stronghold against Leningrad. Marines from the Russian Baltic fleet landed from warships in the rear of tho German troops and attacked the point from the north after capturing c camouflaged German batteries. While the marines were creating a diversion Soviet tanks launched a frontal assault, and the battle continues. The Berlin radio declared that all available Russian forces have been thrown into the fierce battles on the central front and the Russians have brought a contingent of reinforcements from tho northern front. The Istanbul correspondent of ‘The Times’ says operations in the central sector in Russia have never distracted Turkish attention from happenings on tho southern front, and many Turkish military observers arc of the opinion that if the Germans cross the Don River they will not at first head towards the Caucasus, but rather will push from Rostov straight towards the Caspian, endeavouring to drive a wedge between Russian and (British forces and also prevent reinforcements and supplies from being sent across Iran and, in addition, interrupt Iho despatch of oil from the Caucasus to Russia. JAPAN LOOKING FOR SPOILS

POSSIBLE ATTACK ON SIBERIA WASHINGTON, pet. 11. Congressional sources consider that President Roosevelt is concerned over the Par Eastern situation, particularly a possible Japanese thrust to Siberia. While Japanese divisions mass near Russia’s eastern frontier, Tokio newspapers are talking of the spoils to be got if Russia collapses. The ‘ Kokumin ’ says; ‘ ‘ Defeat of Russia is only a matter of time. Japan must be vigilant and must not be left behind in the international field.” Air Chief Marshal Brooke-Popham, before leaving Singapore yesterday, said that if Japan attacked Siberia London would decide what action would bo taken by the British forces in the Far East. “ Personally 1 think wo should act in close concert with the United States.” Air Chief Marshal BrookePopham added there was no sign of Japan planning an immediate southward invasion. TRADE UNION COMMITTEE CONFERENCE IN MOSCOW MOSCOW, Oct. 13. A British Labour delegation, headed by Sir Walter Citrine, .has arrived to attend a conference of the British and Russian Trade Union Committee. BRITISH TANK WORKERS ADMIRATION FOR SOVIET STRUGGLE (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, October 13. The following resolution was adopted at one of the biggest Ministry of Supply tank factories and broadcast to Moscow: —“ Wo, the workers in a ‘ V ’ tank shop, can find no words to express our admiration of the magnificent struggle which you Soviet people have waged alone for 17 weeks against the common enemy. Inspired by your glorious example, wo arc determined to maike I he greatest efforts to increase the output of tanks so urgently required, and