MURDER 300,000

New Zealand Herald, Volume 78, Issue 24132, 26 November 1941, Page 8

MURDER 300,000

FBIGHTFUIi NAZI THREAT POPULACE OF BELGRADE (Reed 6.40 p.m.) LONDON, Nov. 24 Unless the Yugoslav patriot tjoops surrender, the Germans say that they will slaughter all the people in Belgrade. ' . Mr. G. Ward Price, writing in the Daily Mail, says General Simovich, the Yugoslav Prime Minister, informed him that he has received sure information of the German plan for slaughtering the whole population of Belgrade as hostages. General Simovich estimates that the intended victims number 300,000. The Germans are moving up artillery to form circles around Belgrade commanding every road leading out of the city. When the guns are in position, the Yugoslav troops under General Mikhailovitch, who are continuing the struggle for freedom in the mountains of the Dalmatian coast, will be called on to surrender unconditionally. If the troops refuse, Stukas will bomb Belgrade, and the surrounding batteries will open converging fire against the The Germans are resorting to blackmail because the seven German divisions which are occupying Yugoslavia have given up hope of overcoming the resistance of patriot troops in the remote parts of the country. • General Simovich said that he has informed Mr. Eden, the United States and the Vatican City of Germany's intention. Yugoslav authorities m London state that between 50,000 and 100,000 guerillas are fighting in Yugoslavia. A correspondent of the German news agency confirms reports of a five-day battle against Yugoslav guerillas. TURKS BAN SAILINGS GERMAN PRESS REPORT LONDON. Nov. 24 The German news agency says that the Turkish Government has forbidden all Turkish ships to sail from Istanbul to Bulgarian ports. The ban operates immediately and •also affects vessels under 150 tons. Therefore, 60 Turkish motor and sailing boats laden with goods for Bulgarian ports are unable to sail.