GERMANS MASSING

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 24894, 16 May 1944, Page 5

GERMANS MASSING

NORTH-WEST BOSNIA POSSIBLY INVASION FEARS (Seed. 7.50 p.m.) LONDON, May 15 The Germans are massing in north-western Bosnia, reports a representative of the combined British and American press, in a despatch from the headquarters of the Yugoslav Army of Liberation, led by Marshal Tito. Thousands of Germans gathered at Bihac and Bosanskanovi, on the northern fringe of the mountainous country stretching into western Bosnia, which is one of Marshal Tito's major strongholds. The Germans are either preparing for a drive through western Bosnia, hoping to dislodge the Partisan Army from the important positions they are holding, or preparing to move reinforcements to the Dalmatian coast, where they fear an Allied invasion., Tito Unperturbed Marshal Tito is not worried, because the Partisan armies in western Bosnia include some of Yugoslavia's best fighting men. The country, in addition, is extremely rugged, with mountain ranges averaging over 5000 ft. in height. The Germans, even if they smashed through the mountains, would not be able to hold the country behind them.

The Allies and the Yugoslav Army have planned an offensive in the Balkans, says Paul Ghali, a correspondent for the New York Post, in a despatch from Switzerland. He says that Marshal Tito will assist the Allies in the Balkans by the following means: (1) Stopping German military traffic from crossing Yugoslav territory, to do- which he will cut three railway lines across Yugoslavia by occupying strategic positions. (2) Occupying all strategic points in Yugoslavia which are not yet in the Partisans' hands, to facilitate the creation of an Allied bridgehead, a plan which has been completed to the most minute detail. (3) Taking over civilian control as soon as territories are liberated. Will Continue Fight with Allies

Marshal Tito, in an interview with a British correspondent, said he intended to continue to fight against the Germans after Yugoslavia was liberated. He added that he could place 150,000 men at the disposal of the Allies for action elsewhere if Yugoslavia were liberated now, and later perhaps even twice as many would be available.

The "incredible lair" in the Yugoslav mountains, where Marshal Tito lias his headquarters, is described by a correspondent who dined with the marshal a few evenings ago. Indicating that 15 German divebombers attempted unsuccessfully some time ago to blast Marshal Tito from his headquarters, the correspondent says the marshal has the most impregnable headquarters of any commanding general in the world. "They are a series of natural caves running in a gallery straight into the sides of a deep ravine,'' he says, "and are less than 20 miles from where the fighting is going on today. "To reach them, our guards, who were changed three times during the journey from our billets, led us along a rough path cut on a rock face up and up the side of a ravine. Beside us for part of the journey a great waterfall plumed down in a thundering cascade into the dim moonlit valley far below. At times we clung to rocks as the path twisted and turned round jutting spurs and ledges. Study Lined with White Silk

"At last ere arrived panting at the top, to find the marshal waiting. He led us into his study, the four walls of which are lined with sheets of pure white silk from parachutes. The same material is used for the shades over the electric lights. The meeting was completely informal, and we discussed a variety of topics. I asked him if he thought German and Quisling troops had any plans for another offensive against the Partisans' Army. "He answered: 'No, I do not think they have. The main German concern at the moment is to keep the forces of the National Army of Liberation split up into groups throughout the country. The German tactics consist of minor thrusts in various localities, with the idea of making the Partisans use up their scanty stores of ammunition and thus immobilise them. We are finding that the German soldier is deteriorating as a fighter.' "After a talk which lasted 40 minutes an orderly brought in a decanter of slivovic. a plum brandy. Dinner followed, 1 consisting of cold meats, omelette, small steaks and chops, followed by chocolate pudding —all washed down by red Dalmatian wine. We left after midnight, rather dreading the path down the side of the ravine, but we made it."

ACTOR-MANAGER'S DEATH

SIR JOHN MARTIN-HARVEY (Reed. 9.5 p.m.) LONDON, May 15 The death is announced of Sir John Martin-Harvey, the famous actor-man-ager, at the age of 81. He was the last of the great romantic school of actors and for many years carried on the traditions of Sir Henry Irving, with whom he made his first appearance. Sir John was Sydney Carton in "The Only Way," adapted from Dickens' novel "The Tale of Two Cities." He played this part over 4000 times.

Sir John Martin-Harvey began his stage career when he was engaged by Irving at the Lyceum Theatre. He remained with the company for 14 years. He and his future wife were both playing at the Lyceum—he at 25s a week and she at 12s —when they were married. Later they went into management with "The Only Way." Sir John was active in promoting the production of Shakespearean plays in London and the provinces, and he took the leading parts himself.

AUTHOR'S DEATH SIR GURNEY BENHAM (Reed. 5.35 p.m.) LONDON, May 14 The death has occurred of Sir Gurney Benham, author of the dictionary of quotations bearing his name. He spent 20 years in continuous research in preparing his dictionary. LORD HARLECH RESIGNS (Reed. (5.30 p.m.) LONDON. May 15 Lord Harlech, United Kingdom High Commissioner in South Africa, and High Commissioner for Hasutoland. lUv-hiiuualqnd and Swaliland for the past three years? has resigned. Lord .Harlech, will return to Englsuad shortly.