MOVE IN EGYPT

New Zealand Herald, Volume 79, Issue 24368, 2 September 1942, Page 3

MOVE IN EGYPT

ATTACK BY ROMMEL' » BRITISH JOIN ISSUE SOUTHERN OFFENSIVE (Reed. 11.5 p.m.) LONDON, Sept. 1 The War Office, in a communique, says that for some days there have been signs of renewed activity in Egypt. Early on Monday morning German forces, including armoured units, pushed forward against our southern flank in the neighbourhood of El Himeimat, which is on the fringe of the Qattara Depression, about 25 miles south of El Alamein. These units were immediately engaged by our light forces. It is not yet certain whether the enemy offensive is on a major scale. A weak enemy thrust, mainly by Italians, against our main front was repulsed with loss to the enemy. The move by Rommel isjthe first action of any scale since the Allied army held up the Axis advance near El Alamein. The Cairo communique says that in the early morning of August 31 strong enemy columns approached our positions in the southern sector. They were engaged by our forces and fighting continued in this area throughout the day. An enemy attack in the early morning m the central sector was repulsed. Though dust curtailed air operations, a number of successful bombing raids was carried out on enemy transports during the past 48 hours. In air combats yesterday our fighters destroyed at least seven enemy aircraft, in addition to damaging many on the ground. Last night we carried out heavy and successful raids against concentrations of enemy vehicles in the battle area.

WIDESPREAD RAIDS ATTACKS ON SHIPPING LONDON, Aug. 81 There is growing evidence of the still rising tempo of the air offensive in the desert. Long-range fighters have been out to-day attacking bases far behind the enemy lines. Two German troopcarrying planes were shot down. British and American heavy and medium bombers attacked Tobruk, where the harbour and shipping were the main objectives. In combats over the El Alamein area yesterday our fighters destroyed at least three Messerschmitts and damaged others. Two enemy planes were destroyed last night during small-scale activity over Allied base landing grounds. Three torpedo-carrying planes ranged over the Mediterranean looking for Axis supply ships. Enemy shipping with a destroyer escort was sighted. A 6000ton vessel was hit, and was last seen motionless and on fire with a streak of oil iu its wake two miles long. It was also giving off a series of explosions. It is probable that the vessel hit was a small-arms ammunition ship. In another action an enemy tanker was left blazing from stem to stern.

AUSTRALIAN MANPOWER MILITARY AND CIVIL. NEEDS SYDNEY, Sept. 1 The War Cabinet has decided on more drastic steps to obtain another 219,000 men and women for military and civil needs before the end of the year, says the Sydney Daily Telegraph. The latest review indicates that the Government's estimate in May that it would require 318,000 more men and women for war work must he increased by another 60,000. About half the original estimate of 318,000 has been obtained. The official view is that unless a reorganisation of civil industries is carried out with the greatest energy and determination there will be a serious deficiency of manpower at the end of the year. The sub-committee of the War Cabinet has presented a report in which it states that "to meet the estimated requirements of 139,000 men and 80.000 women it will be necessary to take a series of measures which, in scope and severity, will transcend anything previously contemplated. In particular the reorganisation of industries will have to be carried through with ruthlessness and speed which may involve individual inequities and may arouse considerable opposition." The full Cabinet War Council will consider the report without delay. No indication has been given that the Government intends to conscript women for war work, but this is believed to be a possibility. Many women who have offered themselves for war work are reported to be unwilling to accept what they are offered, but try to pick the best-paid positions. It is reported that, because of the manpower position, no more age groups will be called up for the Army except in an emergency. CANADIAN LABOUR OTTAWA, Aucr. 31 The Canadian Minister of Labour has announced that the Government intends to mobilise manpower completely and has ordered the compulsory employment of ail persons capable of working who are at present unemployed or not working full time. No employer in future may dismiss a worker and no worker may leave his job without seven days' notice in writing. All employers must report their future labour needs to the employment and selective service offices, hiring only through Government employment offices. i'

BRAZIL'S WAR MEASURES RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug. 31 President Vargas lias issued a decree declaring a state of war in Brazil. This makes possible immediate general mobilisation. He has suspended certain constitutional rights and provided for the establishment of military tribunals to try offences against national security. He has prohibited the operation of German and Italian insurance companies and empowered the cancellation of all contracts with Germans, Italians and Japanese. He has also authorised a 10hour working day in defence industries and provided for a 20 per cent increase in overtime pay. DUTCH QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY LONDON. Sept. 1 Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands and Prince Bernhardt took part in a celebration at Albert Hall to-day to mark the Queen's 62nd birthday. Four thousand people, including Dutch refugees ana members of the Dutch armed forces, were present. The Netherlands Prime Minister described . the Queen as the symbol of their fight for freedom. A party of Netherlander who had escaped from Holland acted scenes of life in Holland under the German occupation. Among the many messages of congratulation received by Queen Wilhelmina was a telegram from the King and Queen. A certain British port became "Little Holland" when the crews of a minesweeper flotilla of the Royal Netherlands Navy went ashore to celebrate their Queen's birthday, says the British official wireless. The crews marched through the streets of the town, which was flag-bedecked. Later the officers entertained representatives of British and Allied Services.