BLOW FOR BLOW

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXI, Issue 195, 19 July 1941, Page 8

BLOW FOR BLOW

RUSSIANS HITTING BACK. STEEP GERMAN CLAIMS. (United Press Association—Copyright) (Rec. 1.30 p.m.) LONDON, July 18, The fourth week of Hitler’s onslaught against Russia finds the main Russian armies intact, able to give blow for blow, and still capable of taking the initiative. Most neutral observers are now convinced that Germany’s most spectacular claims are based on the progress of advanced motorised columns, which the infantry in many cases have not consolidated. The chances of the German infantry keeping pace with the Panzers is even reported to be growing worse rather than improving. The Germans’ greatest penetration has been in the direction of Smolensk, Jot) miles having been covered from East Prussia since the outbreak. The German comm unique claims that the break through the strongly fortified Stalin Line between Mohilev and Vitebsk has been widened beyond Smolensk, which was captured on 'Wednesday despite stubborn resistance. All enemy attempts to recapture Smolensk failed and the German troops are over 00 miles beyond the Stalin Line at some points. The operations are proceeding favourably in all sectors. The Finnish communique says the German and Finnish troops in the Lake Ladoga and Karelian area have advanced 90 miles in six days, cutting off large enemy forces from any way of retreat. The German troops advancing on Leningrad have captured JOOO prisoners, including a whole battalion of women, the Berlin radio claims. A Russian plane depot has been captured, with 150 machines.

Jn the Lake Peipus area 1500 prisoners were taken. The Russians have left many dead on the battlefields, including women wearing civilian clothes under their uniforms.

The agreement between the Soviet and Czechoslovakia provides for the formation in Russia of a National Czechoslovak Government. In agreement with the Soviet, units will operate under the direction of the Soviet -Military High Command. The Foreign Secretary (Mr Eden) to-day received the Czechoslovak Minister for Foreign Affairs (Dr. Jan Masaryk) and informed him of the | decision of His Majesty’s Government to accord full recognition to the Czechoslovak Government, and of the King’s decision to accredit an Envoy-Extra-ordinary and Minister-Plenipotentiary to Dr. Bcnes as the President of the Czechoslovak Republic. His Majesty has approved the appointment of Mr P. B. B. Nichols, who lias been the head of the Southern European section of the Foreign Office up to his appointment.