AT THE CRIMEA

Grey River Argus, 17 September 1941, Page 5

AT THE CRIMEA

Germans on the Steppes [Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] (Rec. 12.30). LONDON, Sept. 16. A possible new development is indicated in the Berlin claim on Monday night that German troops are advancing toward Crimea. It is stated that, after crossing the Dnieper River at several points near its Black Sea mouth, the Germans had penetrated deeply in the Nogayaskaya Steppes, north of. the Isthmus linking- the Ukraine and the Crimea. The Germans have coincidentally renewed the air offensive against the Black Sea shipping. German Advance TOWARDS THE CRIMEA PLAN FOR GENERAL DNIEPER OFFENSIVE (Rec 10.40) LONDON, Sept. 16. The Germans have claimed that in the fighting on the southern front the German troops 'have deeply penetrated into’ the Nogaya-Skaya Steppes. These are situated between the southern-most reaches of the River Dnieper .and the Crimea. The penetration was made after crossing the Dnieper River at several points. The Germans added that their forces are developing a general offensive for the destruction of the Soviet defence system along the River Dnieper. Next German Step AGAINST CAUCASUS? LONDON, September 15. The Istanbul correspondent oi “The Times” says: Informed Turkish circles are convinced that Germany will stake everything in an early thrust against the Caucasus and Southern Russia. It is believed that Germany will soon launch a large-scale offensive along the whole sector from Kiev to the Black Sea, to force the Dnieper, simultaneously attacking the Crimea by land, sea and air, and pushing downward to reach the Caucasus before winter. A German success herein would put them in a position to menace Iran, Iraq and the whole of the Middle East, entailing the concentration of large British forces. Such results would certainly be worth tremendous risks, which the Germans would take. Political - motives are even more compelling. Reports from Hungary and Roumania show public feeling is on. the verge of panic. People are openly expressing opposition to the war policies. Turkish opinion has also stiffened in view ot the Russian resistance The correspondent also states: “Russia’s latest Note to Bulgaria is considered a prelude to most important developments in the Balkans and the Black Sea. The Bulgarians do not believe that Russia will long remain a passive spectator of Axis use of Bulgarian territory and ports lor an attack against Russia.* Reports from Sofia say that Bulgaria’s Cabinet is taking certain military measures which involve partial mobilisation. Sabotage, subversive activity, and espionage, are now punishable by death The 1921 class will be called for service to-morrow, and the 1922 and 1923 classes, except students, will follow soon. HORSES WITH GASMASKS (Rec. 10.50) LONuON, Sept. 16. The German radio says that every horse of a Caucasian cavalry division participating in a recent battle was equipped with a gasmask.