PINCERS CLOSING

Waikato Times, Volume 130, Issue 21664, 26 February 1942, Page 5

PINCERS CLOSING

MAIN RAILWAY MENACED GERMAN RETREAT LINE USE OF PARACHUTISTS (United Press Assn. — EJee. -rei. copyrlrhll LONDON, Feb. 24 The recapture of Dorogobuzh represents a serious threat to the Viazma-Smolensk railway, which is the only railway available to the Germans in the event of a retreat from the Viazma and Rjev areas. The Russians are now only 15 miles to the southward of the railway, while Russian raiders are most active -to the northward of the railway preparing the way for an advance by substantial bodies of regulars. The Times’ correspondent at Stockholm says Russian reports possibly will soon reveal that the northern arm of General Zhukov’s forces has considerably progressed toward meeting the southern arm on or near the Viazma-Smolensk railway. Heavy German Losses The Moscow radio recorded particularly heavy German losses on the central front. It claimed that the Russians are smashing stubborn resistance and driving on. The Moscow radio also reported fierce fighting on the southern front, where 14 more towns and villages and tv/o stations had been recaptured. The enemy attempted to counter-attack, but was repulsed. According to a report from Stockholm, the Red Army is increasingly using parachutists, who are landing in the rear of the German lines and co-operating with partisans, causing confusion among the enemy and inflicting heavy destruction on transports. Berlin military authorities admit the effectiveness of these operations, and declare their admiration for men who are prepared to make descents in temperatures 30 and 40 degrees below zero. Berlin concedes that the Russian parachutists are well trained, and know how to defend themselves. CLUE TO IDENTITY ANKARA BOMB EXPLOSION :J PAPERS FOUND ON BODY lUnu**o Pres. Assn. —Elec. Tei. (Received Feb. 26, 12.30 p.m.) ANKARA, Feb. 25 The Turkish police reveal that German Embassy letterheads were found among the scraps of clothing of the man who was blown to pieces by the bomb which he threw at von Papen in an Ankara street. A telegram receipt, also was found which may lead to the man’s identification. Berlin claims that the bombing was connected with alleged AngloRussian intrigue, the motive of which was proabbly to prevent the publication of Turkish documents which were said to refer to Mr Anthony Eden’s recent negotiations in Moscow. HITLER TOO BUSY NAZI PARTY RALLY MISSED (United Press Assn—F.iec. Tel. cmurrlrtit); LONDON, Feb. 25 Hitler found himself too busy yesterday to attend the anniversary of the founding of the Nazi Party at Munich, but he sent this messasge:— just at the moment when we approach the end of this winter on which our opponents pinned all their hopes. The winter has been unparalleled in its severity for moro than a century, and it has brought the German victories temporarily to a standstill. Preparations are now being made for the final struggle.” LEAKAGE OF SECRETS AMERICAN AIRCRAFT PLANS (United Press Assn—Elei*. ret. CopyrTrhtl WASHINGTON, Feb. 24 The Attorney-General, Mr Biddle, told the Senate Judiciary Committee today, at a hearing on the Official Secrets Bill, that there had been a leakage concerning American aircraft plans. Special blueprints had got into enemy hands. So far the Justice Department had only been, able to secure one conviction. Mr Biddle expressed the opinion that holders of Government contracts should be made subject to criminal penalties for divulging production secrets.