Late News “EVE OF DECISIVE BATTLES”

Southland Times, Issue 25358, 9 May 1944, Page 5

Late News “EVE OF DECISIVE BATTLES”

(Rec. 2 a.m.) LONDON, May 8. “This is the eve of decisive battles in which great blows will be struck from .the east'and will merge with blows struck from the west and south,” said Moscow radio’s political commentator, M. Viktorov. “The German efforts are directed at dragging out the war. Now that the second front in Europe is imminent they count on it taking the form of operations of a limited type. They talk about Cassino and prophesy that operations in the west will be of the same order. These expectations of Hitler’s must not be allowed to come true for it is clear enough that success can follow only determined action.” Vichy radio says that the Russians are regrouping on the lower Dniester, north of Jassy before starting a new large scale movement in this sector. The Soviet High Command intends to liquidate the Crimea as quickly as possible in order to use its armies fighting there for the expected offensive against Poland. Every day signs are becoming more apparent that the Allies intend to attack shortly on the Italian front, states Vichy radio. Troop concentrations are reported from the Anzio bridgehead as well as the sth and Bth Army fronts.

JAPANESE OFFENSIVE

IN BURMA

(Rec. 2 a.m.) LONDON, May 8. The Japanese have launched a general offensive along the Manipur Hill front in Burma. They are attempting to gain forward positions which they lost recently. Heavy casualties have been inflicted on the enemy.