NAZI BLACKMAIL

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20623, 26 November 1941, Page 5

NAZI BLACKMAIL

THREAT TO CITY BELGRADE MASSACRE VENGEANCE ON PATRIOTS (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Reed. Nov. 26, 9 a.m.) LONDON, Nov. 24. It is stated that unless the Yugoslav patriot troops surrender the Germans will slaughter all the people in Belgrade. Mr. Ward Price, writing in the Daily Mail, says that General Simovich, the Yugoslav Prime Minister, informed him that he had received sure information of a German plan for slaughtering the whole of the population of Belgrade as hostages. General Simovich estimates that the intended victims number 300,000. The Germans are moving up artillery to form a circle around Belgrade commanding every road leading out of the city. When the guns are in position the Yugoslav troops under General Mikhailovitch, who are continuing the struggle for freedom in the mountains and on the Dalmatian coast, will be called on to surrender unconditionally. If the troops refuse Stukas will bomb Belgrade and the surrounding batteries will open a converging fire against the city. The Germans are resorting to blackmail because the seven German divisions which occupy Yugoslavia have given up hope of overcoming the resistance of the patriot troops in remote parts of the country.

General Simovich said he had informed the British Foreign Secretary, Mr. Anthony Eden, the United States Government and Vatican City of the intention of the Germans.