Rommel Will Cling to Mareth Line

Manawatu Times, Volume 68, Issue 51, 2 March 1943, Page 5

Rommel Will Cling to Mareth Line

(By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright.) LONDON, Feb. 28. The latest dispatches from correspondents in Tunisia stated that there was no essential change in the dispositions of the Eighth Army. Earlier, howover. the Algiers radio declared that Genera) Montgomery had completed preparations for attack. Heavy artillery was in position, large movements of his armoured forces were reported, ann patrol activity was on a large scale. The radio added: “Everything lead* to the conclusion that a big offensive from the south is under way. ’ ’

Reuter states that there are several indications that Rommel intends to cling to the Mareth Lin as long as possible. For instance, Eight Armj patrols observed German troops repairing demolitions on the Mareth Lino, which the French made under the Franco-German armistice. The Germans are also bringing up a great number of anti-aircraft guns. The weather is the finest for a long time, resulting in the cheering sight pi as many as 50 fighters at one time passing over the Eighth Army troops. The only enemy planes visible are occasional reconnaissance machines.