BEYOND CERVARO

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXIV, Issue 39, 14 January 1944, Page 2

BEYOND CERVARO

AMERICANS DRIVING ON

(11.15 a.m.) LONDON, Jan. 13. Strong American patrols are now driving beyond Cervaro, says Reuter's Algiers correspondent. Patrols are moving across flat, open country nearing Pastinelle, which is a hamlet only, three miles from Cassino. Bitter fighting is going on farther south where British and American troops are driving forward into the lower slopes of Monte Troccio, which is the last mountain barrier blocking the Cassino Pass. One British and two American thrusts are . being made against the eastern and southern slopes of this height. They are prising the enemy out of rocky strongpoints at the bayonet point, and blowing them from holes with grenades. The Allies, attacking southwest of Roccheta, have progressed to a depth of 1000 yards at some points reaching positions overlooking the road to Antino. The capture of this road would crack .Cassino's northern anchor. The French troops south-west of the road are now fighting fiercely scaling a 4000 ft peak, which is one of the toughest features in this area.

The heights reported in the communique as captured by the French are around the village of Acquafondata. The French movement is gaining momentum and squeezing Acquafondata from two directions. The Rome radio announced that Rome was bombed at noon to-day. POLITICAL ACTIVITY".

According to a New York message, the rigid ban on political activity in Southern Italy imposed by the Amgot has been relaxed, reports the New York Times AVashingtou correspondent. Political meetings are now permitted provided they do not interfere with the prosecution of the war. Furthermore, the Allies apparently intend to abolish Amgot rule as rapidly as possible except in the forward areas. The Allied Control Commission, on which Russia is represented, does not wish to assume responsibility for the administration of Italy, hut merely to see that any Italian Government represents the majority of the people. It is firmly believed that representative Italian Government cannot lie achieved at least until the Allies free Rome. Some argue that the industrial masses in Northern Italy must first be allowed a voice in the formation of the Government.