NEXT MOVE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIX, Issue 21959, 10 May 1941, Page 7

NEXT MOVE

MASSING OF NAZI FORCES Early Attack On Crete Expected British Official Wireless (Rec. 8.30) RUGBY, May 8. The Cairo correspondent of the “Daily Express” says: “First-hand information indicates that the Germans are gathering parachute troops and airborne troops in the Middle East for attacks on Crete, the Western Desert, Syria and Iraq. Sicily, Benghazi, Athens, Rhodes and the recently seized Greek islands are being used as bases. Large numbers of Junkers are being assembled, each capable of carrying 30 men equipped with extra parachutes for supplies. These men carry more hand grenades and ammunition than the ordinary Infantry. They are distinct from airborne troops which carry petrol pumps, motor-cycles, machineguns and small armoured vehicles. The Germans are reported to have begun an intense re-equipping campaign In Greece, Bulgaria and Rumania, and are co centrattag airborne contingents. Some of these have already been employed in carrying supplies to Tobruk from Benghazi. The Italians and Gehnans are also building up their forces to Rhodes and Leros, for which reason an attack on Crete may be expected soon. Meantime General Sir Archibald Wavell, Lieutenant-General A. G. Cunningham and Air Chief Marshal Sir Arthur Longmore are building up their forces. It is estimated that Palestine and Crete are twice as strong as a fortnight ago.” Plight of Rebels It is reported that Germany is exerting pressure on Vichy for permission to land troops to Syria. The Cairo correspondent of the “Daily Mail” says: “There Is definite information that Rashid All has been negotiating with Germany with the Italian Minister in Baghdad (Signor Bagrielll) as intermediary. Germany definitely promised a quantity of planes and big stores of ammunition by May 5, after which Rashid All repeatedly protested to Germany about the nonarrival of the planes and ammunition. Iraqi insurgents feel they are to a desperate plight and can be saved only by last minute Axis help. It is believed that this situation has induced Germany’s demands regarding Syria.” An Iraqi communique states: “As a result of enemy surprise action at Habbaniyah, our troops have been compelled to take up new positions but are immediately counter-attacking. A London message says that the situation in Iraq has changed little. At Habbaniyah the rebel forces have left the immediate neighbourhood of the encampment. The British captured six howitzers and armoured cars and lorries. . . At Basra, the British have occupied more commercial buildings. There has been rioting, but nothing serious.

Heavy British Bombing British headquarters in the Middle East report heavy bombing by the British of Baghdad aerodrome and other Iraqi airfields. The Iraqi Government has announced that military objectives in Baghdad, including the railway stations, had been bombed, but this is not confirmed to London. A communique from the Royal Air Force headquarters in the Middle East states: “The Baghdad airport was bombed by the Royal Air Force ye.,terday, and some damage was done uo buildings and the aerodrome road. Violent explosions occurred when direct hits were obtained on a magazine at Washash, near Baghdad. Other bombs hit, military buildings. Bombs Were also dropped on dispersed aircraft were able to occupy heights over Habbaniyah without opposition, except for occasional.sniping. The Iraqi authorities admit that their men have been moved back because of incessant bombing. .. . _ ... It is reported in Cairo that Rashid Ali has left Baghdad after a hostile demonstration against his regime, but this is not confirmed in London. A Cairo message says that Tewfik Suweidl Bey, Prime Minister in the former Iraq Government, is reported to have gone to Amman from Baghdad to meet the deposed Regent who is returning to restore a legal government.