GRIM BATTLE PROCEEDS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 166, 13 June 1940, Page 7

GRIM BATTLE PROCEEDS.

SITUATION MOST DIFFICULT. RHEIMS IN JEOPARDY. LONDON, June .12. It is authoritatively stated that there is no apparent slackening of the German attack. The situation is of a most difficult nature, and everything depends’ oil the ability of the Irencli to hold off the attacks of superior numbers. The most serious development after yesterday is the battle to surround Ilheims, Where the Germans launched a heavy armoured attack. The French morning communique states: “The battle is continuing. The situation is without any important change on the entire front. It isconfirmed that the enemy thrust in the direction of Ilheims is being made with powerful means, including two armoured divisions.” The battle on tlie Western Front is now in its eighth day and Is raging with extreme violence over almost the whole front. Last night the French High Command stated: “Evidently the Germans are trying to force a decision.” This morning’s official communique says that there was no important change during the night anywhere on the front. In the west, in a 40-mile line between Rouen and Vernon, German armoured units are, it appears, still trying' to cross the Seine, and the French have made strong counter-attacks. South of Soissons the Germans have been attacking with the support of a large number of tanks, and they reached the village of Fere-en-Tnrdenois, which is about 30 miles from Paris. The main bodv of the French near tins sector withdrew, in order to make massed resistance south of the River Marne. These two drives toward tlie west and east of Paris are obviously with the aim of encircling the capital. There can be no doubt that the fate of Paris is in the balance. Only civilians engaged in essential services remain there, and the roads to the south are crowded with great numbers ,of those who have left on foot and in vehicles. It is authoritatively stated in London that the situation on the Western Front is extremely difficult.