WILL GERMANS ATTACK?

Greymouth Evening Star, 27 October 1939, Page 7

WILL GERMANS ATTACK?

PROSPECTS ON WESTERN FRONT MAJOR OFFENSIVE POSSIBLE [by CABLE —PRESS ASSN. —COPYRIGHT.] PARIS, October 26. A German offensive is considered to be probable, in spite of the conciliatory German propaganda towards France. The terrain is still practicable for such an offensive, despite the rain. M. Daladier, Prime Minister, has conferred with General Gamelin. A London message stated: More German troops are being moved up to the front, and there is still the possibility of a major German offensive,

HITLER’S CONFERENCES. •BERLIN, October 26. Herr Hitler has had further conferences with Generals and others, these suggesting that there is still indecision regarding the German plans. The Official News Agency announces that General von Brauehtisch, the German Commander-in-chief, • visited the Western front, where he watched the fighting and decorated officers and meii. IN WARNDT FOREST. LONDON, October .26. Some activity in the Warndt Forest area is reported by tlfe French. In their strategic withdrawal .10 days ago the French evacuated most of the forest, but held grimly : strong : positions on the hilltops and crests. The Germans have., since- been . making fruitless attempts to dislodge them. GERMAN VERSION. BERLIN, October 26. Yesterday, the enemy attempted to regain heights lost previously, but was repulsed. One battalion was engaged in the attempt. VON GRAMM IN ARMY. COPENHAGEN, October 26. The German tennis crack, von Cramm, has joined up in' Germany. The German’ boxer, Max Schmeling. is reported to have also offered his services.

• FRENCH RAIDING PARTIES. (Recd. October 27, 2.15 p.m.) LONDON, October 26. The Paris correspondent of the Associated Press of Great Britain says: French scouting parties raided the German lines through snow, sleet, and heavy rain, seeking prisoners and information regarding the disposition of the German main forces; otherwise there was little activity. A night communique states: There were three encounters of contact units, with artillery action on both sides, at various points. HEAVY GERMAN LOSSES (Recd. Oct. 27, 11 a.m.). . PARIS, October 26. An official commentator has revealed that the enemy losses in the abortive attack on October 16 and 17 are estimated at between 2000 and 3000. A’ well-informed source states that trainloads of wounded Germans passed through Trier. ENEMY CLAIM SUCCESS.. (Received October 27, 1.30 p.m.) LONDON, October 26. A German High Command communique, issued in Berlin, states: The enemy tried to recapture a hill west of Voelkingen, and attacked in strength, but one battalion collapsed. French territory is under our fire, otherwise there is no activity.