YUGOSLAV PARTISANS

Grey River Argus, 23 May 1944, Page 5

YUGOSLAV PARTISANS

Denounce Mikhailovitch

LONDON, May 21

According to Mussolini’s newspaper, “Regime Fascista,” the Yugoslav Chetnik leader, General Mikhailovitch, was killed by Marshal Tito’s j Partisans on May 13. ' The report which bore a Belgrade date-Hne has not been confirmed by other sources. It said General Mikhailovitch arrived in Croatia to conduct the operations personally, against Communist bands,' and was killed on a road between Jagodina and Cyogria. A communique from Marshal Tito stated: General Mikhailovitch has taken charge of the operations against the Partisan troops. On the border of Serbia and the Sandjak. German reinforcements, including Chetnik troops in German lorries, are pouring into Serbia. In Croatia fighting is extremely fierce, especially in the Lika Province and in the sector of Licko-Petrovo-Selosuluj, where the enemy suffered heavy losses. In the Croat province of Slovenia our units are waging successful offensive operations in Herzegovina. A strong German and Chetnik column was routed and withdrew towards Trebinje. In Western Bosnia three Chetnik battalions were defeated and a military train blown un on the Bihac-Krupa line. Our units are carrying out offensive operations in Vojvadina. The enemy has failed to drive our troops from Southern Srijem. The German offensive in Istria has broken down. Partisan detachments in the Zara region occupied the town of Novigrad in Dalmatia. In Slovenia a pitched battle is raging in the area of Novomesto. Two Wains were blown up. In eastern Bosnia there is extremely fierce fighting on all sectors. A Partisan military mission to Britain, headed by General Velebit and Major Vogelnic, will leave shortly on its return to Yugoslavia. BrigadierGeneral Maclean, chief of the British military mission to Marshal Tito is accompanying them.