AXIS NERVOUSNESS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 78, 3 July 1943, Page 5

AXIS NERVOUSNESS

FEARS OF INVASION MAINTENANCE OF INTERNAL ORDER ACTIVITY IN THE BALKANS London, July 2. Axis decrees for the maintenance of internal order, also radio efforts to reassure the populations of Italy, Germany and occupied countries reveal continued nervousness regarding the possibilities of an Allied invasion. Fears are causing the Axis many sleepless nights, though it is asserted the Axis is 'growing stronger every day. Paris radi.> broadcast a report that United States troops formerly stationed in Northern Ireland are now being transferred to the south and south-east coasts of Britain, and added that some relation between this movement and 3rd July, which date was given from official propaganda sources for the invasion, may exist.

Das Reich” says reports from Rome state that the Fascist Party secretary, Signor Scorza, demanded that he should be entrusted with the defence of ull Italy. The demand is considered the first step towards Party assumption of army functions. “Das Reich” says Italy’s main concern is the strengthening of her home front, which is considered at leart as important as defence preparations.

The Axis claims that Norway has been further strengthened. Norwegian bus traffic is practically at a standstill owing to a German order making per rr.its necessary for a journey of more than 20 miles. The German oval commander in Norway announced that a vast minefield has been laid outside Narvik AXIS HEADQUARTERS It is learned from a reliable source that General Lohr, Axis Commander-in-Chief in the Balkans, decided that Sofia shall become supreme orperational headquarters for the entire Balkans, reports Reuter’s Cairo correspondent. This decision was reached at a conference between German and Italian military chiefs and heads of the Bulgarian Government. The Axis commands in Greece and Yugoslavia have been withdrawn, leaving only regional headquarters. The overriding reason, for the change is believed to be the strong feeling of insecurity regarding these two countries, also the realisation that in the event of Allied landings it would be practically certain that popular uprisings would take place. By centralising the Balkans defence in the Bulgarian capital General Lohr is better able to control all the defence forces in south-eastern Europe and also synchronise counter-invasion measures. Indicating doubt and uneasiness about where the Allied blows will fall, Berlin radio’s naval commentator, Admiral Luetzow, says: “From the North Cape of Norway to the Aegean Sea there are few places which have not been named as possible or probable landing points. These discussions make Us remember the greatest attempt in history to attack the European coast linefrom the sea—the Gallipoli landing in the last war—all the enemy’s assaults were defeated then with heavy losses.” Paris radio reports that feverish activity continues at Gibraltar. A convoy of 25 cargo ships arrived from the Mediterranean and another convoy arrived from the Atlantic. Both were heavily escorted. WARNING TO CANADIANS Ottawa, July 2. Mr Mackenzie King, Prime Minister, in a statement to the House of Commons marking the 76th anniversary of the confederation, declared: “The coming year will witness Canada’s supreme effort. We may be called on to pass through an ordeal greater than any our country has ever experienced The coming months will demand steadiness, determination and the utmost unity ” P.A.