NORTH AFRICA

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 77, 23 October 1942, Page 5

NORTH AFRICA

BIG BATTLE EXPECTED PARIS RADIO REPORT ALLIED ATTACK FROM WEST? London. Oct. 21. The big battle of North Africa is about to start, says Paris radio. The lull may end any moment. Both sides are accumulating huge masses of war material for a great clash. The Madrid correspondent of the "Daily Mail” says some Vichy sources suggest that any Allied attack from West Africa is more likely to be directed against Libya than against Dakar. They assert that forces equalling and probably exceeding the Eighth Army have been concentrated in regions north of Lake Chad. These consist mainly of Americans and Fighting French with a powerful air force and a wealth of tanks, guns and tractors. This force is reported to be capable of crossing the 700 miles of desert to the Mediterranean. Vichy military circles assert that a route was reconnoitred when a mobile armoured column recently raided Benghazi aerodrome. The attack has not yet been launched because it is necessary to build up immense reserves at bases and also along the lines of march which follow three main caravan routes. Success of this drive would sweep French North Africa to General de Gaulle and again give Mediterranean supremacy to the British Navy and be the beginning of an effective front in the south. —P.A.

LIBERIA BREAKS WITH AXIS REPRESENTATIVES ASKED TO GO, SAYS ROME London, Oct. 22. Rome radio announced that Liberia has decided to break off diplomatic relations with the Axis and has asked Axis representatives to go.—P.A. MALTA’S OUTSTANDING PILOT 28 ENEMY PLANES SHOT DOWN AWARD OF D.S.O. London, Oct. 22. Malta's outstanding fighter. 21-year-old Pilot Officer G. F. Beurling, destroyer of 28 enemy aircraft, who already possesses the D.F.C. and bar to his D.F.M.. has been awarded the D.S.O. He is now in hospital with a wounded heel. -P.A.