BALKANS TANGLE

New Zealand Herald, Volume 80, Issue 24690, 16 September 1943, Page 5

BALKANS TANGLE

YUGOSLAV CONFLICTS ALLIED AND AXIS ELEMENTS (Reed. 10.15 p.m.) LONDON, Sept. 15 Reports of fighting and political developments which are filtering from the Balkans reveal that Axis nations are facing a situation of confusion and increasing tension. The Berlin radio makes a charge against "Communist bandits and British agents" of attempting to frustrate Germany's protection of the Balkans. The radio adds that there have been attempts by the Communist populace in some Dalmatian towns to organise street fighting. Yugoslavs Resist Germans

Allied sources report that Yugoslavs, aided by Italian troops, are bitterly resisting German columns which are driving from the interior to take over control of the Dalmatian coast. The Italians hold long stretches of the coast, and the Italians and Yugoslavs are reported to hold Dubrovnik and the railway junctions of Karlovac, 30 miles south-west of Zagres, and Ogulin, 38 miles east of Fiume. They also hold the Vis, Hvar and Brae Islands. The German news agency admits that losses occurred when a troop train was blown up in Yugoslavia. Furious fighting developed along the railway line.

The agency also reports that Hinimler is demanding the arrest of the German General Alexander von Loelir, former commander-in-chief in the Balkans, because he set a bad example to other commanders in occupied countries by co nst a n tly deman di n g re in f o rcements. It also reports that a German tank army commander, at the head of paratroops, arrested General RossL Italian commander-in-chief in the Balkans.

Defining Bulgarian Policy German sources, quoting Prince Cyril, one of the regents of Bulgaria, say the new Bulgarian Government will follow King Boris' policy. However, the Times states that conservative pro-Allied elements are participating in the Government. Turkish reports originating in Sofia say that Prince Cyril informed Germany that the Bulgarian forces would oppose a British-American landing in South-eastern Europe, but would not resist if the Russians reached Bulgaria first.

The diplomatic correspondent of the Daily Telegraph says that the_ Rumanian Prime Minister, Antonescu, is facing a growing threat of open revolt in Rumania. This position is a result of the Russian advance and Germany's demands for troops for the reinforcement of Balkans garrisons. Rumanian leaders profess loyalty to Hitler, but they want to concentrate their troops on the home front. It is believed that the Government is losing control.

FEARS OF LAVAL DEFENCE AGAINST INVASION LONDON, Sept, 15 New moves by the Vichy Government have betrayed Laval's fears of an Allied invasion of France. A spokesman from Vichy last night urged that defence committees should be set' up in all French towns to deal with the problems that would arise in the case of an invasion. "We must drop our political quarrels and defend France." t.he spokesman concluded. The Germans are now trying to get French gunners to join anti-aircraft units of the German army. Vichy radio appealed to all Frenchmen with military experience to volunteer for service with the German army. They would be employed only on French soil.

SWEDEN PREPARED SITUATION IN NORTH EUROPE LONDON, Sept.. 15 The Swedish armed forces are to be maintained in their present state of emergency mobilisation, says a Stockholm announcement. An official communique said this was being done because of the imminent possibility ot new outbreaks of war in Northern Europe. In view of the likelihood ol increased military activity in territory in that part of Europe, Swedish military preparedness must be maintained.