THE BALKANS

Grey River Argus, 11 January 1944, Page 5

THE BALKANS

TITO'S CALL. [Aust. & N.Z. Press Assn.] LONDON, Jan. 9. A last warning to all Jugoslav officers and men serving either under the Germans or the Jugoslav Quisling leaders to report immediately to the nearest posts of the Jugoslav Army of Liberation was given in an order of the day from Marshal Tito. The order, which was broadcast by the Free Jugoslav Radio said: “A last opportunity has come for these officers and men to break loose, from the enemy, failing which every individual will, in the final reckoning, be dealt with as an enemy.” Tito’s Recognition BY HITLER [Aust. & N.Z. Press Assn.] (Rec. 10.10) LONDON, Jan. 10. The “New York Times” Stockholm correspondent states: Ac'c’ordfing to private advice from Berlin, Hitler has recognised Marshal Brog-Tito as a belligerent. He has done so to ensure treatment as prisoners' of war for Germans falling into the hands lof Tito’s partisans. In return, the Germans will accord a similar status to captives from Tito’s ranks, who no longer will be considered as francitireurs. In the past, partisans have fought furiously, never surrendering, because they knew they would be shot. Thus the Germans suffered heavy losses, which . they now hope to lessen. GERMANS TKTjUGOSLAVIA. RUGBY, Jan. 9. The Germans are now making increased efforts to check the growing Partisan successes in Jugoslavia. This lls evident from a communique of 1 the People’s Liberation Army which states that in the area of Banaluka bitter fighting continues. After receiving cohsiderable reinforcements of armour, tanks and infantry, the Germans are attempting to penetrate the liberated territorv from a number of directions. One column has succeeded with strong armoured units in breaking through towards Mrkonjiegrad, a second column is advancing along the right bank of the Vrbas River, a third column is advancing on Banaluka from Teslio. A fourth column is advancing from Bonjice towards Prozor, and a fifth '"column is advancing from Travnik in a north-westerly direction. , The last column was defeated and compelled to withdraw. Mrkonjicgrad is some 30 miles south of Banjaluka, and Teslio is about the same distance eastwards.