STAND OR DIE

New Zealand Herald, Volume 80, Issue 24541, 25 March 1943, Page 3

STAND OR DIE

OEDEK FROM HITLER FIGHT TO THE LAST MAN SURRENDER OF ITALIANS (Reed. 7.30 p.m.) LONDON, March 23 The Algiers radio says Hitler has ordered the troops in Tunisia to fight to the last man, and an order has been given to von Arnim and liomniel to stand or die. The radio added: "General Montgomery will do all he can to see that the second part of the order is carried out." The Berlin radio said: "To-night Rommel again throw tanks into a counter-attack. Operations are being made more difficult because of the enemy's air superiority and the steadily narrowing space for manoeuvring. Five thousand Italians surrendered to the Americans at Maknassy." The Rome radio last night issued sombre warnings to the Italians ol grievous trials ahead. "Our hearts go out to our troops in North Africa, who are again facing a hard trial," said the radio. "The fortunes of Italy are again at stake as n grave phase of the war opens. The Russian danger must not overshadow the great threat from Britain and America." Earlier German and Italian communiques simply refer to violent fighting in Central and Southern Tunisia, but the Berlin radio claims that the British and American attacks have thus far failed. The radio, however, stated: "By reason (if the considerable superiority of men and material at the disposal of the enemy, an outflanking manoeuvre ab the rear of the Mareth lane must be reckoned with."

CHINA'S ENDURANCE "HOLD OUT FOR 100 YEARS" (Reed. 5.35 p.m.) CHUNGKING, March 23 "China can hold out for 100 years, even without reopening the Burma Road, which, however, is necessary for a quick termination of the war," said a commander in Yunnan Province, quoted by Ihe Central News. The commander, who is not named, is described as one of China's most brilliant soldiers. Ho stated tliar. 2000 Japanese reached the west bank of the Sal ween River on March 12, but were repulsed by the Chinese defenders on the east bank, aided by Chinese guerillas attacking the Japanese in tho rear. The Chinese communique to-day says the Chineso have recovered most of the heights around Hwajung, in flupoh Province, and at present are attacking the enemy inside the city, where lighting is going on. Severe but inconclusive fighting is continuing on the HupehHonan border area. South of the Yangtse the Chinese _ repulsed two Japanese columns driving north from Kwangchowan. The Chinese are gaining the upper hand in the Hupeh-Hunan area, says a later report. They have recaptured three towns south of the Yangtse and two to the north. Meantime, fighting continues with unabated fury in Southern Hiipeli, where the Chinese are battling to save rich ricefields around Tungting Lake. BOMBING IN BURMA LONDON, March 24 Royal Air Force bombers and fighters were over many targets in Burma again yesterday. Japanese positions at Donbaik were bombed and fighters attacked several small supply boats on the Kaladan River. They also shot up enemy troops on the march. Wellington bombers last night dropped bombs oil Magwe airfield and on the port of Akyah. No aircraft were lost. Just after dawn a formation of Japanese aircraft made a short attack on an airfield in south-eastern Bengal. They caused slight damage and a few minor casualties. GERMAN PROPAGANDIST INDICTMENT IN AMERICA (Reed. 9.50 p.m.) WASHINGTON, March 23 George Sylvester Viereck has been indicted on six counts of violating the Foreign Agent Registration Act by failing to register as a German agent. Viereck was recently freed from prison, after serving a year un a previous conviction. The Supreme Court upset the original verdict because of an error in the Judge's charge to the jury. The trial opened in February, 1942, of Viereck, alleged master mind of German propaganda in the United States. Viereck was accused of making false statements to the Department of State when registering as a foreign agent. The Government charged Viereck with having received 10,000 dollars a year for propaganda activities. Arrested by. Federal agents in August, 1911, Viereck was described as "one ot the outstanding propagandists of the world, and one of the truly great menaces to-day to tho safety of the United States." ADMIRAL'S NEW POST FAREWELLED BY KING LONDON, March 24 Tho announcement of Admiral Sir Bruce Fraser's appointment as Com-mander-in-Chief of the Home Fleet permits the reason for the King's recent visit to the Fleet to be revealed. His Majesty chose this time —less than 12 months since his last trip—purposely to take a personal farewell of Admiral Sir John Tovcy before he strikes his flag as Commander-in-Chief, The King said "good-live" 'privately to Admiral Tovev in the Admiral's cabin on his own flagship, H.M.S. King George V., in which the King stayed while he was with the Fleet. Afterward, on the quarterdeck, in full view of the ship's company, the King shook hands formally again with the Admiral before be was niped over sido.