SWIFT PROGRESS

New Zealand Herald, Volume 80, Issue 24747, 22 November 1943, Page 3

SWIFT PROGRESS

BRIDGEHEAD ENLARGED SURPRISE LANDING RESISTANCE SQUASHED IBecd. 9.25 p.m.) I/OND-ON, Nov. 21 The Red Star reports that the new bridgeheads across the Dnieper at Cherkasy are rapidly being enlarged into wide gates threatening the German communications. The Red Army is fighting within a mile of Cherkasy, which is the centre of the German resistance and is exceptionally heavily fortified. The Russians yesterday beat off repeated attacks by enemy tanks and infantry in this sector and took heavy tol! of men and machines. One correspondent says the fighting here seems to be getting fiercer and he describes the situation as ticklish. The Russian landing across the river took the Germans by surprise and the Soviet troops took advantage of this. The main body crossed the river and occupied strongly' fortified defence centres. The enemy, attempting to restore the situation, brought up all the reserves in the neighbourhood, but was driven back after fierce fighting.

According to incomplete figures, 2000 Germans were killed.

A .Moscow message says that the crossing is thought to be highly significant in view of the German counterblow at Jitomir and the stalemate around Krivoi Rog. If the Russians are able to push ahead, probably in the direction of Smela, they will threaten the vital junction on the main communications of the enemy's forces on the west bank of the middle reaches of the 'Dnieper.

SATELLITES RESTLESS

[WITHDRAWAL OF RUMANIANS

RESULT OF SOVIET SUCCESSES .(Reed. 5.35 p.m.) LONDON, Nov. 20 As a result of the latest conference between the Prime Minister of Rumania, Antonescu, and Hitler, Rumania is reported to have begun the withdrawal of all her troops from tho Russian front, says the Berne correspondent of the British United Press. One of the seven Rumanian divisions on the eastern front has already been withdrawn from Odessa. Hitler is said to have agreed t-o the withdrawal in return for important stocks of cereals and oil previously destined for Italy.

The Istanbul 'correspondent of the British United Press reports that panic has broken out in financial circles in Rumania as a result of the Russians' steady advance on Bessarabia, According to Turkish financial circles, Rumanian business men are trying tc dump their stocks of merchandise. Many of them are trying" to sell in Istanbul at any price they can obtain. Indication that unrest is troubling the Bulgarian authorities is given in the following official statement: —"The Bulgarian Government will do its utmost to maintain order at home. It must not be afraid to take even the harshest measures against anyone who even attempts to disturb the peace."

STALINGRAD REBORN

GREAT RECONSTRUCTION RED OCTOBER WORKS REPAIRED •Reed. 5.35 p.m.) LONDON, Nov. 20 Stalingrad, which a year ago was the target for the world's greatest aerial and artillery bombardment and _ the scene of the most vicious street fighting, is now a reborn city, reports the Moscow correspondent of the British United Press. The people of Stalingrad have built 10,500 new houses, L' 3 hospitals and 40 schools. They have also restored 20 water lines and the tram service. The famous Red October factory which supplied arms to the defenders during the siege is again in production and the workers christened the first tank from the assembly line "Stalingrad." Thirty-five thousand volunteers are working on the reconstruction, incjuding housewives, doctors, engineers and teachers. People from all parts of the country work on buildings after they finish their ordinary day's work. _ The Moscow radio says that after the liberation of the Smolensk region 40.000 houses were repaired.

GERMAN WITHDRAWAL

ADMISSION BY BERLIN (Reed. 9.20 p.m.) LONDON, Nov. 21 The German forces on the north flank of the Xevel sector, north-east of Vitebsk, have withdrawn according to plan to shorten the front, reports the Berlin radio commentator von Hammer.

TURKEY AND BRITAIN

MUTUAL AID TREATY (Herd. 12.15 a.m.) ISTANBUL, Nov. 21 The newspaper Son Posta says that the Foreign Minister, U. Menemencioglu, has informed 'the British Government of a decision taken at a party meeting that Turkey is ready to comply *ith the Anglo-Turkish Mutual Aid Treaty. The report adds that the Representatives of other Powers also have been informed.