Line Shielding Berlin Seriously Endangered

Manawatu Times, Volume 70, Issue 41, 17 February 1945, Page 5

Line Shielding Berlin Seriously Endangered

Battle With Decisive Effect Being Waged

Plans for Defence of Capital Drawn Up

United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraplu—Copyright. Received Saturday, 1.15 a.m. LONDON, February 16

A battle decisively affecting- the fate of Berlin is being waged in the triangle formed by Krossen, Guben and Furstenberg, say* the Associated Press’ Moscow correspondent, who points out that Furstenberg is only 53 miles southeast of Berlin. Marshal Koniev’s surge forward into Brandenburg has seriously shaken the southern anchorage of the Germans’ main fortified line shielding Berlin. His forces have struck hard and fast along vital rail and road communications running parallel with the west bank of the Oder in the rear of a host of strongpoints which hitherto have prevented Marshal Zhukov’s main forces from crossing the river. Guben, the junction of four important railway lines and three motor roads, is under direct attack from Koniev’s advanced tanks.

Nuremberg, the scene of many famous Nazi rallies, is the new capital of Germany, says the Moscow radio. A 30-mile zone around the city has been declared out of bounds for refugees. Many citizens have been forced to leave their homes to make room for Ministries evacuated from Berlin. Long

columns of lorries day and night are carrying archives and files to the city. The newly-appointed commander of Berlin, General Ritter von Havenschildt, has devised a battle plan for the capital, says the German News Agency. The city has been divided into several defence sectors, each under its own commander. The defences are being prepared, taking advantage of all natural barriers. Berliners, when normal food supplies are affected, will draw rations from the Nazi Party offices throughout the city.