FIRST PHASE OF BIZERTA BATTLE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 77, 27 November 1942, Page 5

FIRST PHASE OF BIZERTA BATTLE

Fight for Key Mountain Pass STRUGGLE FOR MASTERY OF THE AIR

London, Nov. 2b. With the fighting for a mountain pass, which is considered a key position, south-west of Bizerta, the battle for Bizerta has entered its first phase, according to Algiers radio. Morocco radio says British columns on the coastal road are advancing toward Bizerta, and Vichy radio says Allied forces are now only 22 miles from Tunis. Paris radio refers to violent fighting for highways leading through the mountains and also for railways. Algiers radio says British reinforcements and technical troops have been flown from Algiers to an important height in Tunisia and the struggle for mastery of the air rages without abatement. Axis planes in the teeth of violent anti-aircraft fire again raided Bone last night. Vichy radio says large scale Axis reinforcements and supplies are reaching Tunisia, including armoured divisions which are employed to link up strongpoints established throughout Tunisia.

London, Nov. 25. Lieut.-General Anderson, G.O.C. First Army, is on the point of launching a large-scale offensive against Tunis and Bizerta, according to Morocco radio, but official sources in North Africa are still reticent. Correspondents at Allied headquarters continue to emphasise the secrecy imposed on them with reference to movements of the British First Army and American forces. One added: “General Eisenhower, with characteristic thoroughness is planning everything to the last detail. Nothing has been left to chance. The stakes are too great for that.” NO WALK-OVER The “Daily Mail” in an editorial says it has become clear there will be no Allied walkover in Tunisia. Warnings given here and elsewhere that we will not turn the Axis out without a hard struggle are being justified. General Anderson’s advance must be conditioned by rapidly growing but not unexpected opposition from the Germans.

Moscow radio states French troops in Tunisia are fanning out southwards to intercept Axis units attempting to cross from Tripolitania into Tunisia. AXIS REINFORCEMENTS German radio says the strengthening of German and Italian forces in Tunisia is proceeding rapidly, including air forces, tanks, assault guns and mechanised units which can operate over a large area. German intention to sacrifice even Tripoli and concentrate all her strength to hold the Tunisian peninsula is daily becoming more evident. The “Daily Mail’s” special correspondent at Madrid says reports from Algiers indicate that the Germans are piling up fighters and bombers inside the fortified zone of Bizerta and Tunis in determination to secure total air supremacy over Tunisia. Axis military commentators state it is impossible to seal the Sicilian channel from Tripoli but it is quite possible from Bizerta. If Germany maintains her hold on Tunisia the Axis will for the first time have completely divided the Mediterranean into two zones. A Berlin dispatch received in Madrid says the vital theatre of operations has shifted from Libya to Tunisia. DAKAR TAKEN OVER Paris radio says a United States military mission with Fighting French representatives arrived at Dakar and took control of the port, warships and coastal defences.— P.A.

Darlan in North Africa and to the extension of the same policy in other fields of foreign policy?” Mr Eden said that certainly it would be proper, but the Government has to bear in mind whether it was timely in relation to the military operations. Mr Gallacher (Com.): “Is it a fact that a protocol was prepared, and will be signed shortly making Darlan permanent High Commissioner in North Africa?” (cries of “Answer.”) Mr Speaker: “Mr Eclen has already answered that question.” (Cries of “No.”) Mr Eden: “My position is quite plain. I gave yesterday all the information I could in relation to this subject which is not purely or even mainly a British subject. The United States is the principal party.” Mr Granville (L.N.): “In view of the serious reports that the Fighting French are no longer broadcasting will an opportunity be given for a debate on the subject ” Mr Eden made the same reply as in a previous message.