PATROLS MORE ACTIVE

Waikato Times, Volume 130, Issue 21653, 13 February 1942, Page 3

PATROLS MORE ACTIVE

PREPARATIONS IN LIBYA IMPORTANCE OF SUPPLIES (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, February 12 Increased activity by Allied mobile forces in Libya is reported, particularly in the Gazala area. A correspondent says the retreat of the Allies has allowed the formation of a strong defensive line, and he emphasises that Gazala is still in their hands. Operations are limited to patrol activities on both sides. Rome claims that the Axis forces in Libya are now using tanks flown to the desert by air. The British Minister in the Middle East, Mr Oliver Lyttelton, who is visiting Teheran, yesterday emphasised the importance of supplies, rather than troops, in Libya. As the Allies’ lines of communications had lengthened supply problems arose, with the result that the enemy had to be pursued by light forces. As Rommel’s supply lines decreased these light forces were pushed back. Nevertheless, the Allies had accounted for 38,000 to 40,000 Axis troops, and had covered strategic points for the defence of Egypt. Captain Margesson, Minister for War, answering a question in the House of Commons, said that in the British retreat from Benghazi and Derna, so far as circumstances permitted, all stores, buildings, works and installations which might have been of value to the enemy were destroyed or removed before the withdrawal.