KISHINEV LINE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 79, 18 April 1944, Page 5

KISHINEV LINE

AXIS EXPECTED TO MAKE STAND RUSSIAN ARMIES ACROSS THE DNIESTER ißcc. 11.35 a.m. > London. April 17. The German High Command it is believed intends to make a fight for the Kishinev line through which the Russians must pass to outflank the German positions of Odessa, states the British United Press Moscow corres- ! pondent. The Russians in this area are | everywhere meeting extremely stubborn resist .nee. The Rumanians and | Germans built an extensive systc\> of firing points and are now well dug in > across rolling country not otherwise i very . suitable for defence. The Rus- [ sians drive in this area is aimed against the heart of Rumania. In addition. it is their nore immediate in- i tention to outflank the Germans in the J extreme south. Marshal Koniev’s forces arc now across the Dniester at several points above Tyraspol, while General Mali- j ; novsky has crossed the Dniester below Tyraspol. Both armies arc now widen- j j ing their bridgeheads preparatory to i striking against Cao, between Galati | and Braila. where ti e Germans have i probably established their main de- i . fences. One of the most important moves of j the campaign can be expected should i the two Russian armies succeed in breaking through the Kishinev area The Germans along the coast of thm Black Sea would be forced hack I through fear of encirclement, and Ru- , . nianian and C :rman forces between ■ Kishinev n d the Carpathians would j be required to withdraw for fear of i being pinned down against the pathians.