KISHINEV LINE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25514, 19 April 1944, Page 5

KISHINEV LINE

ENEMY PREPARING FOR STAND INCREASING RESISTANCE LONDON, Apl. H. It is believed that the German High Command intends to make a fight for the Kishinev Line, through which the Russians must pass to outflank the German positions west of Odessa, states the Moscow correspondent of the British United Press. The Russians in this area are everywhere meeting with extremely stubborn resistance. The Rumanians and the Germans have built an extensive system of firing points, and are now well dug in across rolling country not otherwise very suitable for defence.

The Russian drive in this area is aimed against the heart of Rumania, in addition to its more immediate intention to outflank the Germans in the extreme south. Marshal Koniev’s forces are now across the Dniester at several points above Tyraspol, while General Malinovsky has crossed the Dniester below Tyraspol. Both armies are now widening their bridgeheads, preparatory to striking against Gao, between Galati and Braila, where the Germans have probably established their main defences. ■ •' '

One of the most important moves of the campaign can be expected should the two Russian armies succeed in breaking through on the Kishinev area. The Germans along the coast of the Black Sea would be forced back through fear of encirclement, and the Rumanian and German forces between Kishinev and the Carpathians would be required to withdraw for fear of being pinned down against the Carpathians.