GERMANS ATTACK

Grey River Argus, 14 December 1943, Page 5

GERMANS ATTACK

IN YUGOSLAVIA.

RUGBY, Dec. 12.

The Yugoslav Liberation Army has announced that heavy defensive fighting is in progress in Sanjak and Bosnia. After two weeks’ fierce struggle, the Germans captured Frijepolpe, in Sanjak, 50 miles north of the Albanian border. Another German offensive is in progress in the sector of Imotski-Duvno, 40 miles east of Split, in Dalmatia, where heavy lighting has developed. German tanks broke through to Duvno, where the First Partisan Corps are offering bitter resistance.

TITO’S APPEAL TO HIS ARMY.

LONDON, Dec. 12.

General Tito, in a message to all units of the Liloeration Army, called on them to resist the enemy’s sixth attempt to destroy the army. The moment had arrived when, with all their strength, they must prove once more that the Liberation Army was invincible. Units in the sector where no enemy offensive operations are in progress are ordered to launch offensives themselves against the most important strategic positions for the defence of the... liberated territory. Tito said the Germans, after concentrating strong forces in all sectors, had launched a large-scale offensive against the liberated territories. The Albanian Quislings and Bulgarian units of the Ustachi and Chetniks were fighting with the Germans, said the appeal, which was broadcast by the partisan radio. The German offensive is particularly strong in Bosnia and Croatia. The Army of Liberation is offering strong resistance.

Tito appealed to the partisans to destroy bridges, railway lines, factories, and enemy supply communications. He urged Yugoslavs stationed in districts where there were no offensive operations at present in progress to attack the most important " strategical positions. The appeal concluded: “Forward into battle!”