INVASION OF MALTA

New Zealand Herald, Volume 79, Issue 24194, 9 February 1942, Page 5

INVASION OF MALTA

FURTHER PREPARATIONS ACTIVITIES IN SICILY (Kecd. 5.35 p.m.) LONDON, Feb. 7 Preparations are still being made for an invasion of Malta, says the Madrid correspondent of the Daily Mail. Fresh air squadrons are continually reaching air fields in Sicily and 4000 Axis planes are now ready for Mediterranean operations. German naval personnel have prepared invasion bases. Heavy anti-aircraft fire destroyed a Junkers 88 and a Messerschmitt 109, and also damaged two more Junkers 88. , The British United Press correspondent at Malta says cinemas, schools and churches were damaged and a number of people were killed in daylight raids on Malta on Friday. The Maltese are appealing for reprisals. An enemy fighter was shot down on Saturday by light anti-aircraft gunfire. Raiding was on a small scale. A few enemy bombers, heavily escorted by fighters, dropped a few bombs, but no reports of damage or casualties have yet been received. AMERICAN TROOPS * PROTEST FROM EIRE NOT A FORMAL MEASURE (Kecd. 5.5 p.m.) WASHINGTON, Feb. 7 Mr. Robert Brennan, Eireann Minister to Washington, after a conference with Mr. Sumner Welles, UnderSecretary of State, said their talk would help to create a better understanding in Dublin regarding the sending of American troops to Northern Ireland. Mr. Brennan handed Mr. Welles a copy of Mr. ,de Valera's protest about the sending of the troops. However, he explained that its presentation did not constitute a formal protest, but was merely designed to make the United States Government officially aware of hire's attitude. Mr. Brennan said his talk with Mr. Welles was very cordial, and he was well satisfied with the information he received. A London message says it was stated at the Government of Eire Information Bureau that,the story of German seaplanes using small islets off the coast of Eire was without a shadow of foundation. QUISLING ARROGANCE ATTITUDE OF SWEDEN (Eecd. 5.35 p.m.) LONDON, Feb. 7 It is reported from Oslo that Quisling has issued a manifesto stating that, as Prime Minister, he holds all the powers formerly reserved for the King and 'Parliament. The Stockholm correspondent of the Times says the question of Sweden's de jure recognition of the Quisling Government will not arise. All Swedish statements show that any suggestion of such recognition would immediately be rejected. The German press is violently attacking Swedish newspapers for their attitude toward Quisling. It charges Sweden with being in the AngloAmerican camp. ATTACKS ON CONVOYS ENEMY AIRCRAFT DESTROYED (Eecd. 7.50 p.m.) LONDON, Feb. 7 An Admiralty communique quoted by the British official wireless states: "Three unsuccessful attacks were made recently by enemy aircraft on our convoys. At least two aircraft were destroyed and others were damaged. There were neither casualties nor serious damage to the merchant ships in the convoy or to the escorts. One merchantman suffered superficial damage, but was able to proceed under its own power." PATROLS OVER SEA BOMBING OF DOCKS (Rerd. 7.30 p.m.) LONDON, Feb. 7 The Air Ministry states: "Aircraft of the Bomber Command carried out offensive patrols over the North Sea on Saturday, and there were many encounters with enemy fighters, one of which was destroyed. Three of our aircraft are missing." British bombers attacked the clocks at Brest on Friday night. One aircraft is missing from this raid. Another bomber is missing from an offensive patrol over the North Sea on Friday. SUBMARINE LOST (Reed. 5.35 p.m.) "WASHINGTON, Feb. 7 The United States Navy Department announces the accidental loss of submarine 526. The 526 collided with another naval vessel during surface operations off Panama and sank with the loss of all on board except three of the crew. One report says she was sunk in 300 ft. of water, on the night of January 24. The 526 is one of a number of submarines of 800 tons authorised in> 1916-17. She was -armed with one 4in. j gun and four 21in. torpedo tubes-