“ War is Just Beginning," says Red Star

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 186, 7 August 1941, Page 7

“ War is Just Beginning," says Red Star

All-in “ Scorched Earth Policy in Ukraine United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. Received 'Wednesday, 8.30 p.m. LONDON, Aug. 5. M. Lozovsky at a press conference at Moscow said the disintegration of the German army had begun and its morale was broken. This was the surest sign that it was gearing ruin and rout. “No matter what difficulties may be ahead, victory will be ours,” says the Soviet Army organ Red Star, summing up the first six weeks of fighting. “Failing to drive deep wedges into Soviet territory with their armoured formations the German High Command began to disperse their mechanised forces among the whole tremendous front turning them into support for attacks by general troops. Thus the German main force of infantry and artillery came into action with all the technique of modern warfare. /

“The Nazi infantry who have been accustomed to an uninterrupted advance after the tanks had cleared the way, have now been compelled to engage in violent lighting. Our infantry and tanks incessantly attacked the motorised columns inflicting tremendous losses in manpower and equipment. Hitler who relied on his almighty tanks is already beginning to talk about rifles. “The conduct of a blitzkrieg does not require reserves, but the real war which the Nazis have encountered in Eastern Europe constantly demands fresh forces. No matter what army the Germans have they are numerically unequal to the Red Army which is beating back the invader, but is still strategically on the defensive. The Red Army troops far from being complacent clearly realise that the enemy forces are great and that the war is just beginning.” General Budenny (commander-in-chief in the Ukraine sector), in a proclamation, calls on Russians in the territory occupied by the Germans to band together in guerrilla units and carry out fully Stalin’s “scorched earth” policy. “Those capable of bearing arms should join the partisan units, organise new detachments, destroy the Nazi dogs, overturn trains and blow up dumps. Do not allow an ounce of bread to reach tire enemy. Harvest exactly as much as you need and destroy the remainder. The hour of vietbry is approaching.” The Berlin News Agency claims that the Germans have captured Kholm in the Moscow sector. The Filins claim considerable progress in the region of Lake Ladoga, also in the Suomussalmi sector, but the Times’ Stockholm correspondent declares that the position on the Finnish fronts is temporarily stabilised. Reports from Helsinki indicate that the Finns aim to reach a line where they can await the progress of the German forces driving across Estonia with a view to launching a joint attack against Leningrad. The Russian defence of Sortavala (Finnish sector) has been greatly assisted by small warcraft operating against the northern shore of Lake Ladoga. These, it is believed, have been reinforced from the Baltic.

The Daily Mail says Britain’s latest bombs will soon be crashing down on Germany from Russian bombers because we, it is believed, have given the formula to Russia. British and Russian scientists are now comparing notes. The Norwegian Foreign Minister (M. Lie) called on M. Maisky and exchanged letters expressing a mutual desire to restore full diplomatic contact.

The Russian spokesman (M. Lozovsky) said the RussianYugoslav pact of friendship concluded before the collapse of Yugoslavia was still valid. He added that Poland had appointed an Ambassador to Moscow. His arrival was a technical and not a political question.

A Zurich message stated that the R.A.F. dropped pamphlets on Berlin on Saturday night declaring that the Russians are still capable of long resistance and would soon be launching effective counter-offensives.