SLOWING DOWN

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20638, 19 August 1941, Page 9

SLOWING DOWN

UKRAINE PUSH DESPERATE DRIVE GAINS NOT IMPORTANT FORESTS AND SWAMPS (Eire. Tel Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Reed. Aug. 18, 3 p.m.) LONDON, Aug. 17. The big German thrust in the Ukraine appears to be slowing down in the face of the fierce Russian resistance, says Reuter’s Moscow correspondent. There is little doubt that Marshal Runstedt’s desperate drive has been eating up 20 miles daily for a week, but the territory which the Russians have so far abandoned does not appear vital. The Moscow correspondent of Tne Times says that the Germans have not captured one vital Soviet industry. All parts of Russia which the Germans have so far occupied are forest land, swamps or agricultural country. It is certain th at t he German losses in life have been fearful, but there is no indication that the Russians are running out of trained troops and reserves or essential equipment. Difficult For Tanks It is 'notable that German tanks are not playing such a decisive role as during the first operations. This is because of the difficult terrain and the Russian ability to cut off overbold thrusts. The final war issue is more remote than ever. There are numerous indications that both sides are preparing for a winter campaign. A German communique claims that German troops, co-operating with Hungarian units, occupied, Nikolaev, which is important as a naval base and industrial town. The Berlin radio claimed the Germans occupied Nikopol. If this is true, it represents an important success, bringing the Germans deep into the valuable Dnieper bend. The military spokesman in Berlin said the mopping-up operations at Krivoirog resulted in the capture of 7000 prisoners. The Luftwaffe continued heavy bombing of Russians evacuating Odessa.