REPORTED GERMAN WITHDRAWAL

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 292, 11 December 1941, Page 5

REPORTED GERMAN WITHDRAWAL

WINTER CAMPAIGN IN RUSSIA FORCES TOO FAR FROM BASES (Recd. 11.45 p.m.) London, Dec. 10. The main* body of the Germa;: armies in Russia are now retiring to a line held on October 15. This momentous decision was made, says the Daily Mail’s Stockholm correspondent. after a visit made by Hitler ami General von W. Brauchilsch, commander-in-chief of the Naz: armies, to General von Rundsledt, Nazi commander in the Ukraine, under whose command is General von Kleist, whose fortes have fared so badly along the shore of the Sea or Azov, and took part in Germany’s first great retreat in this war. The Daily Mail correspondent adds that General von Bock. Nazi commander on the central Russian front. General von Leeb, commander on the Leningrad front. Marsha! Goering and Marshal E. Milch, chiefs of the Luftwaffe. and Ribbentrop, Foreign Minister. were present, also Dr. Todt. Minister of Munitions. The military leaders insisted that the army and Luftwaffe were unable to maintain an offensive throughout the winter 500 miles from their bases.

The solid front of specialised opinion overruled Hitler and Ribbentrop, who argued that the maintenance of the offensive was essential for internal and external prestige. The correspondent adds that the pomts to which the Germans an withdrawing in hide Rjev, Viazm ’ Orel. Kurst Kharkov Mr/itopol.