INTO LIBYA

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20431, 16 December 1940, Page 7

INTO LIBYA

IMPERIAL FORCES ITALIAN RETREAT DRIVEN OVER BORDER LOSSES PILING UP OVER 30,000 PRISONERS FUTURE PLANS UNCERTAIN (Elec. Tel. Copyright —United Press Assn.) (Reed. Dec. 16, noon.) LONDON, Dec. 15. It is learned in London to-day that the British forces are pressing back the enemy over the Egyptian frontier and have penetrated Italian territory.

An official communique issued from the British headquarters in Cairo states that in Egypt operations are proceeding on the Libyan frontier, where our troops continue to press the enemy. A heavy dust storm is raging and visibility is bad. On other fronts there is no change. An Italian. High Command communique meanwhile admits not only the loss of Sidi Barrani. but, more significant, admits that “the pressure of the enemy has not eased.” More than 30,000 prisoners are now estimated to be in British hands, and guns, tanks and equipment of all kinds, states an official Cairo communique, which adds that British advanced forces in the Western Desert continue to press back the enemy, who are endeavouring to stem the tide of their rout on and about the Libyan frontier. Desperate Fighting

“The clearance of the vast battlefield continues,” it is stated, “and the number of prisoners is steadily mounting. “Our harassing activities on the Sudan frontier continue unabated.” Desperate fighting is reported to be raging between British advanced units and Blackshirts in the Western Desert. The Blackshirts are striving to consolidate their positions and vainly attempting to counter-attack. Reports reaching Cairo indicate that the British force's are already on the outskirts of Solium, which is General Sir Archibald Wavell’s immediate objective.

Enemy columns have left Bardia, but it is not clear whether the Italians are withdrawing from there. British artillpry and bombers are pounding the Halifa road—“Hell-Fire Pass”—where the Italians are fleeing up the escarpment. Mechanised forces are pressing the Italians hard, but a slowing down of the momentum is to be expected. It is still not revealed whether the British intend to carry the war much beyond the frontier. A British United Press message from Cairo states that Marshal Graziani has probably lost eight divisions—more than 100,000 men. British warships and , merchantmen - are ferrying thousands of prisoners to f - Alexandria iri an endeavour to' relieve the land communications.