GERMAN TROOPS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 17 January 1944, Page 4

GERMAN TROOPS

SAID TO BE MASSING IN SPAIN 12 TO 13 DIVISIONS MENTIONED. SIGNS OF FAMILIAR AXIS • TECHNIQUE. H ———• (By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright) (Received This Day, 1.15 p.m.) LONDON, January 16. Disquieting reports have come during the last few days from foreign countries closely in touch with Spain, chiefly concerning a concentration cf Gdrman divisions in the Pyrenees and the presence of German agents in Spain, says the British United Press. On account of their source, such reports cannot safely be set aside as mere

rumours. One report stated that reliable information had been received that between 12 and 18 German divisions, including armoured units and parachutists. had ben concentrated north of the Pyrenees. The report coincided with a broadcast from V.chy stating: An Allied landing is certainly possible in Spain oi' Portugal, where the Allies may count on support in the form of strikes, mutinies and revolts. The Salazar and Franco governments may be expected to put up a stiff resistance and no doubt would defend themselves energetically.” There is something ominously reminiscently about that phraseology. It has the same ring as German excuses for invading neutral countries in the earlier days of the war.

Possibly more significant are reports that nearly a thousand German tourists have suddenly turned up in Spain in the last ten days. It is believed they intend to indulge in terrorist acts arid to inspire demonstrations after _ the usual Axis fashion. They are believed to have been responsible for- placing bombs in ships carrying oranges to Britain from Valencia.