MASS OFFENSIVE

New Zealand Herald, Volume 78, Issue 24101, 21 October 1941, Page 7

MASS OFFENSIVE

THE DONETZ BASIN FATE OF ODESSA RUMANIAN PROVINCE (Reed. 8.10 p.m.) LONDON. Oct. 'JO A German communique states that between the Sea of Azov and the Donetz Basin the pursuit of the beaten enemy is continuing successfully. Storm troop units, after street and house fighting, have taken the town of Taganrog. It is learned from Moscow that the Germans, supported by Italian cavalry, liave launched a new mass offensive in the direction of Rostov. According to the Moscow radio, the Germans aimed to destroy at one blow the Russian armies between them and the Donetz Basin. The Italian troops were ordered to attack from the flank, but were repulsed and suffered heavy losses. "Mussolini's incompetent cavalry were so depleted that they were forced to retire for reorganisation and reinforcement," added tbe Moscow announcer.

Hitler telegraphed his "most cordial congratulations" to King Michael of Rumania on the fall of Odessa. It is reported from Bucharest that General Antonescu has decreed the incorporation of Odessa as capital of the Rumanian administrative district "beyond the Dniester." The district will be Known as Transnistrien.

Summing up the heroic 69 days' defence of Odessa, the Moscow newspaper Pravda states that the Rumanian army's losses totalled 250,000 killed, wounded and prisoners. MOVE TO SAMARA DIPLOMATS FROM MOSCOW (R*cd. 10.23 p.m.) LONDON, Oct. 20 An agency message from Tokio says the Foreign Office has been advised that the Japanese Embassy staff in Moscow and other diplomats accredited there are proceeding to Kuibyshev (Samara), on the Volga, about 600 miles east of 'Moscow. RADIO "GHOST" VOICE BRITAIN REVEALS METHODS LONDON, Oct, 19 A recording of the first efforts of the ghost ' voieo was included bv the British Broadcasting Corporation to-day its afternoon broadcast to the Continent. The interjections could be plainly distinguished, and after the recording was finished the Daventry announcer remarked: "Comment for ■polish, and, indeed, for all listeners, 18 superfluous."