FRESH GERMANS IN ACTION

Southland Times, Issue 24154, 17 June 1940, Page 5

FRESH GERMANS IN ACTION

GREAT SUPERIORITY IN MATERIAL CRITICAL SITUATION AT FRONT (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright) TOURS, June 15. It is estimated that 2,000,000 Germans are engaged from the sea to the Meuse, including a number of fresh divisions. The French retirement from Paris has further lengthened the line. The enemy also has a crushing superiority in aeroplanes and tanks. No attempt is made in official quarters to hide the fact that the military situation is extremely dangerous and is particularly threatening both on the west and east wings from the sea to the Meuse. German armoured units in the west sector are being followed by large, well-equipped motorized divisions. The situation at the eastern end is no less critical, but the French troops have so far succeeded in defending Montmedy, the pivot where the mobile French line joins the Maginot Line. The French are still fighting with all the strength they have left. A French communique issued in Bordeaux states that the situation is unchanged in Normandy, as well as south from Paris. Fighting in Normandy is proceeding west of Louviers and Evreux with undiminished violence. Our forces below Paris are carrying out all movements according to orders from the Command. The enemy again accentuated his pressure in the direction of Troyes and Saint Dizier. Violent fighting is going on. There have been violent bombardments on the front and lines of communication in Lorraine and Alsace. Further east the Germans crossed the Seine in the Romilly area and increased their pressure from Troyes to Saint Dizier and pushed advance guards towards Chaumont. In Alsace the Germans attacked in the Neubrisach region. More detachments crossed the Rhine without breaking our position or resistance. NEW GOVERNMENT CENTRE It is understood that the French Government has left Tours and is proceeding to another centre. It is expected that military news will be scanty until it is settled in its new headquarters. The Allied Commander-in-Chief (General Maxime Weygand) informed the Government that the exodus of population from the invaded areas is ■ likely to impede, if not prevent, military operations. The Minister of the Interior (M. Henri Roy) decided on measures to prevent the movement of civilians in certain places. The Exchange Telegraph Agency says the inhabitants of Chartres, Orleans, Blois and Tours joined refugees, bringing to a climax the flood of civilians fleeing southward. “Fifth Columnists,” who seem to be working throughout France add to the terror by rumours, clogging the roads with refugees which necessitated control of all road traffic by the military and the prohibition of travel without a permit. Military police have been stationed at all cross roads, turning back refugees. German aeroplanes continually strafe refugee columns with bombs and machine-guns. All bridges between Paris and the Loire, includ-

ing those over the Loire, have been mined and all villages and towns barricaded. The French common man is determined that the struggle will be carried on until the Germans are worn out. French troops declare: “We will win because we must win. France still lives.” The Bremen radio states that a proclamation was issued urging the population of Amiens to return to their homes. “Germany will care for you and see that you have enough to eat,” it stated. “This is the will of the Fuhrer.” GERMAN CLAIMS The German High Command states: “After breaking through the line of forts on both sides of the Meuse, we have taken the town and citadel of Verdun. Our troops broke through the Maginot Line on a broad front south of Saarbrucken after heavy fighting, also stormed the forts of Vaux and Marre.” The Communique adds: “Sections of Allied troops on the lower Seine and Meuse gave themselves up without a fight at many points. All units and the Air Force joined in a concentrated attack on the Maginot Line in the Saar region and attacked fortifications, bunkers and artillery and infantry positions, including army columns, throughout the day with bombs of all calibres. Simultaneously, troops, strongly supported by artillery, broke through the fortress battlefield of the Maginot Line and wrenched many defensive works from the French and captured the strong fortification of Saaralpen. Effective air attacks were made on troop concentrations, railways and roads in the region of Verdun, Metz and Belfort. Many trains were destroyed and many railway communications cut off. Our fighting units also successfully attacked airfields, important railway lines and a retreating column in other parts of France. The swastika flies from the Eiffel Tower. The tricolour was hauled down at 6 a.m. on June 14. A German guard of, honour was placed at the grave of the Unknown Soldier and the tomb of Napoleon. German troops stationed at Versailles have taken over the guard before the palace.”