RACING FOR TRIPOLI

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XLXI, Issue 15238, 31 December 1942, Page 3

RACING FOR TRIPOLI

ROMMEL’S MAIN TRANSPORT United Press Assn. By Electi .( Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, Dec. 29j Th e vanguard of the Eighth Arj n y is still in contact with Rommel’? rearguard in the broken area alcf n £ the Wadi Bir el Kebir, which thrusts a deep gash through the desU * wastes 40 miles west of Sirte. It does not appear that Rommel intends to put up a determined fight here. His main transport is racing to Tripoli as fast as possible, and the main British forces are regrouping west of Siirte for another -forward thrust. It is believed that Rommel is not in a position to make a sta.nd until he reaches Tripoli wlirro can can obtain food, ammunition, and the mosi important of all, petrol, which be most sorely needs. The last part of Rommel’s retreat should Joe less difficult. He has already reached the broken country which is easier to defend, with the great Trurga salt marshes on his flank, while beyond Misurata begins Tripoli’s cultivated belt with water and some available food.