INTENSE EFFORT

New Zealand Herald, Volume 80, Issue 24631, 9 July 1943, Page 3

INTENSE EFFORT

DETERMINED ENEMY CLIMAX NOT YET REACHED RESOLUTE SOVIET TROOPS LONDON, July 7 A warning that it is still too early to form a final judgment on the German offensive is given by observers in Moscow. They say that Field-Mar-shal Gunther von Kluge, who was formerly under Field-Marshal von Bock on the Russian central front, but who is now commanding the German armies in the new offensive, may have surprises in store. Reports from all the main sectors confirm thnt the German attack is not diminishing in its intensity. Also the Berlin radio states: "There is no doubt that the battle has not yet reached its climax." It adds that the Russians arc using completely new types of tanks of Russian, British and American make. Far From Exhausted The intensity of the onslaught in the Orel-Kursk sector can be judged from the fact that one Russian imii in one day repulsed 16 attacks. The Russians at nightfall were still in possession of their original positions and tlx battleground was strewn with German bodies and tanks. "In spite of their losses of tanks, planes and men, the Germans are still far from exhausted," states Renter's correspondent in Moscow. The Russian Command expects .the Germans to keep up their attacks uninterruptedly for at least two or three days longer, even ii' their losses continue at the present rate. The correspondent adds that the fighting so far from the Russian viewpoint can bo called satisfactory. Three points are outstanding. The first is that tho Germans have failed so far to establish air supremacy. .The second is that they have failed to achieve a major break-through. The third is that German Tiger tanks have had no startling success. Also, the Russian Army, in meeting the impact of the new offensive, has shown itself powerful, resolute and effective. Two Areas of Attack Some ground in the Bielgorod area has had to ba conceded in face of the great numerical superiority concentrated in the enemy's panzer-aircraft "fist." However, the Russians, by counter-attacking, have partially restored the position. The Germans on the Orel-Kursk front, having achieved practically nothing, regrouped and to-day attacked in great force, with tanks heading the assault. The Russian gunfire in this area was terrific. The German tanks and infantry, before making contact with the Russians, were effectively shelled. In an attempt to silence the Russian batteries the Germans threw in a greater force of dive-bombers. A large force of German infantry headed by tanks, after the failure of frontal attacks, attempted an outflanking movement, but this force was itself outflanked and driven into a minefield. The Germans lost 31 tanks and 600 men, whereupon the thrust was abandoned. GIANT TIGER TANKS RUSSIANS FIND COUNTER MANY ALREADY DESTROYED LONDON, July 7 Although the Germans in Russia are throwing in a great weight of armour, the Russian artillery as well as the Red Air Force is battering the Axis tanks to pieces, says the Moscow correspondent of the British United Press. One of the main reasons for the German failure to achieve any decisive success so far is that they are not able to push their infantry into the slight breaches which they have made in the Russian lines in order to exploit the successes gained by their armoured units. Another factor is that the Russians have found means of dealing with the giant Tiger tanks. What these means are cannot yet be revealed, but apparently they are effective. Large numbers of these 60-ton monsters have been destroyed. It is obvious, says Renter's correspondent, that the Germans are pinning much faith on their new Tiger tanks, which they are using in great numbers. These tanks are going into action accompanied by mobile field guns. German prisoners admit that the tanks are forced to turn back when they are caught in concentrated anti-tank' and mortar fire. ARGENTINE POLICY BREAK WITH AXIS LIKELY BUENOS AIRES, July V General Ramirez, the new President of Argentina, addressing army and navy officers, hinted that Argentina would eventually break with the Axis Powers. He promised that Argentina would comply with international agreements "when circumstances make it opportune." 'J he fact that the President chose to make this statement before service leaders is understood to indicate that General Ramirez counts on the support of the nation's armed forces in a policy of pan-American rapprochement which may eventually lead to a rupture with the Axis, says the United Press. Added significance is given to General Ramirez's statement by the fact that it follows so closely upon the declaration on the previous day by the Foreign Minister, Senor Seguhdo," that "Argentina will be with her sister American nations when she is called oil to fill her engagements of honour and her promises of pan-American co-opera-tion,"