LIBYAN ACTIVITY

New Zealand Herald, Volume 79, Issue 24194, 9 February 1942, Page 6

LIBYAN ACTIVITY

POSITIONS UNCHANGED ENEMY HARRIED FROM AIR MUCH EFFECTIVE BOMBING (Reed. 6.30 p.m.) LONDON, Feb. 6 A communique from Cairo quoted by the British official wireless states that, except for patrol activity on both sides and the exchange of artillery fire, there was no change in the land situation yesterday. Our Air Forces again had a most satisfactory day. Fighters and medium bombers accounted for a considerable number of enemy vehicles in forward areas, while our heavy bombers obtained successful results on a number of more distant targets on the enemy's main lines of communication. Successful air operations in Cyrenaica, particularly on Thursday, are described in a Royal Air Force Middle East communique. Fighter aircraft continued to attack enemy forward columns in Cyrenaica throughout yesterday. Bombers were also active. In the Lamluda district a number of motor transport vehicles were set on fire and others severely damaged. Complete reports 6how that Thursday was one of the most successful days of the campaign for our fighters and bombers and effective action taken against enemy bases by day and night. During Thursday night harbour installations at Benghazi and an aerodrome at Berka were raided. At Benghazi fires broke out at the base of the Cathedral mole and the Juliana mole and in the inner harbour. At Berka violent explosions, accompanied by a large fire, were observed. The same night the harbour at Tripoli and a motor transport park south of the town were again bombed. Bombs burst on the Spanish mole, while at the motor transport park and electrical power station large fires were caused. All our aircraft returned safely! . ITALIAN CLAIMS MAIN FORCES NOT ENGAGED ROMMEL'S REINFORCEMENTS (Eecd. 5.30 p.m.) LONDON, Feb. 7 An Italian communique states: "Our advanced troops have reached El Gazala and rgoccupied the oasis at Gialo." A further communique claims that Axis forces have occupied Tmimi, in north Cyrenaica. The Vichy radio stated that Rommel's forces are only 25 miles from Tobruk. It is authoritatively stated that the main forces are not yet engaged in Libya, although there is considerable patrol activity on both sides. The Berlin correspondent of the Stockholm newspaper Tidmingens says it is believed in Berlin that Rommel is now strong enough to drive through to Egypt, even as far as Alexandria. His large reinforcements are explained by the presence of strong forces of U-boate in the Mediterranean, which have forced the British Navy on the defensive. German military leaders believe General Sir Claude Auchinleck is unable to get reinforcements at present. FRENCH AID TO AXIS SUPPLIES THROUGH TUNISIA AMERICA QUESTIONS VICHY (Eecd. 5.35 p.m.) LONDON, Feb. 6 It is authoritatively stated there is reason to believe Vichy is supplying Rommel's army. Vichy is sending (supplies to Tunisia, ostensibly for the French Army, to replace material surrendered under the terms of the armistice, but actually the supplies never reach the French Army. The Vichy supplies were dispatched instead from Tunisia for the relief and assistance of the Germans in Libya. The enemy supply lines across the Mediterranean are extremely difficult to interrupt. The sea passage is short and can be practically completed under cover of darkness. In any case transports and supply ships sail under a formidable aircraft screen, paraded by enemy machines based on Sicily. A Washington message says the Under-Secretary for State, Mr. Sumner Welles, said the United States had asked Vichy for information regarding published reports of French aid to the Axis in the Libyan campaign. AXIS GENERALS KILLED (Reed. 5.35 p.m.) LONDON, Feb. 7 The Rome radio has announced that three German generals, von Prottwitz, Sommermann and Filkoff, and an Italian general. Dirifreddo, have been killed in North Africa.