GRIM RUSSIANS

New Zealand Herald, Volume 80, Issue 24536, 19 March 1943, Page 3

GRIM RUSSIANS

OONETZ_FIGHTING NAZIS HELD UP did to cro_ss MVEE FIEBCE E ['TOUTS FAIL „ nvicffraph—Press Association—Copyright By 4 11.10 p.m.) LONDON, March 18 <3 The slowing up of the German on the Middle Tloiietz, the continuation of the GeraD retreat on the Smolensk front, nc | a fresh Russian attack in the xtreme north, toward Petsamo, are the highlights of reports on the great struggle on the Russian front. The Times' correspondent in Mosrnw agrees that the Russian positions on the Middle Donetz front have shown a certain improvement. fie says the Germans, although striking with undiminished fury, have not gained ground in the important sectors south and south-east of Kharkov. The Red Army has beaten off more German attacks in the battle for the Donetz River. At Chuguiev, about 25 miles south-east of Kharkov, a successful Russian counterattack gained good defensive positions. The Germans made six attempts to regain this lost ground, but each time Soviet troops threw them back again. Panzers and Aircraft Most of the fighting on the Kharkov front last night was still in the Chugtiiev area. A Moscow communique savs the Germans attacked violently, but Soviet forces counter-attacked and captured a large village. The Gennans are also attacking further north, where there is a big Russian salient below Orel. Russian cavalry have repulsed attacks by large German tank and infantry forces and inflicted heavy losses on the enemy. A Moscow correspondent says the Donetz battle is gradually becoming one of the biggest of this war. In the area touth of Kharkov large-scale panzer assaults are being made, supported by motorised infantry and a large number of aircraft. The Germans also are trying to hurl back the Red Army further south, but the Russians are holding their osvn and, at some places, have retained the initiative. A number of places repeatedly are changing hands in fierce fighting in the elbow of the Donetz, where the Red Army is on the defensive in some sectors and launching counter-attacks in others. Bielgorod As Objective Observers in London believe that the railway junction of Bielgorod is probably the Germans' next main objective beyond Kharkov. Its capture would once more deprive tho Russians of the use of the important lateral railway from Kursk to Kupiansk. The Vichy radio claims that the Germans have advanced to within 18 miles of Bielgorod, and that they are also near Volchansk, and half-way between Kharkov and Kupiansk. Reuter's Moscow correspondent says the Russians have slowed but not yet halted the Gorman counter-offensive. A desperate see-saw struggle is being waged along the Donetz_ below Kharkov, where the Germans, in spite of unceasing efforts, so far have failed to force a crossing. Fortified places are changing hands several times daily. The Russians in some sectors of the Middle Donetz are striving to enlarge a number of bridgeheads on the west bank of the river. The Red Army is firmly defending tho Isyum elbow, where it holds a number of commanding heights. Mass ol Artillery This mass of Russian artillery, supplementing shock troops armed with long-barrelled anti-tank rifles, is inflicting heavy losses on the German panzer forces. The German High Command is using highly mobile tank squads, which it is switching from one sector to another. Russian reconnaissance units have noted that these mobile tank squads have moved 60 miles in 24 tours, indicating that the thaw has not vet developed sufficiently to convert the Middle Donetz into a sea of mud. Renter's correspondent in Stockholm says reinforcements are now apparently reaching General Golikov's hard-pressed troops. WASHINGTON TALKS EDEN MEETS LITVINOV (Reed. 1.5 a.m.) WASHINGTON, March 18 The British Foreign Secretary, Mr. Anthony Eden, conferred with President Roosevelt in Washington to-day for one and a-half hours. This followed a long talk with the Soviet Ambassador in Washington, M. Litvinov, whom Mr. Eden entertained to lunch at tho British Embassy. The New York Herald tribunes .Washington correspondent _ says that, although Mr. Eden is not in Washington to mediate Russian and American differences which have cropped up as a result of the war, it is common knowledge that tho British and Soviet governments are much closer than the American and Soviet Governments. Mr. Eden's presence and prestige are expected to promote greater understanding and harmony among all concerned. News agency correspondents express the opinion that to-day's talks have been a further move to bring the Soviet Union within the scope of tho British and American discussions. One correspondent says it is a mistake to try to narrow the conversations down to any specific subjects. He asserts that the conversations are not limited to any particular questions, and o en though the main emphasis may fall on foreign relations and post-war agreements, Mr. Eden's business is not limited to them. Tlio reports that relations with l^ s " sia have figured prominently in the discussions may very well be true, ho continues, because on both sides of the Atlantic co-operation among the three Powers is seen as tho key to many ol the problems of tho post-war world. China is regarded as nn essential wee. and at no stage is any exclusive freement contemplated. It is believed %t any talks which can clear the way fo co-operation among these four jwers will lie helping to lay a firm foundation for the post-war international structure. Nazi forces in europe 5.3ri p.m.) WASHINGTON, March 17 There is reason to believe that the divisions which Germany withdrew from "Astern Europe and sent to Russia have been replaced by others from Reserves in the Reich, said the Director Sf the Of lice of War Information. Mr. Wnier Davis. Raiders over Britain I,ON DON. March is E'lemy raiders before dawn to-day crossed the Kast Anglian and south-east Bombs are reported to have been dropped. Manoeuvres in india LONDON, March 18 'l'licro have been large-scale man-' i tl south-east India Thousands • <l f hriUsli (im! Indian trm>|w with tanks &1 "-1 armoured cars took part in them.