RUSSIA READY

Waikato Times, Volume 132, Issue 22064, 15 June 1943, Page 3

RUSSIA READY

BIG BATTLES PENDING HEAVY AIR ATTACKS MASSING OF TROOPS (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received June 15, 1 p.m.) LONDON, June 14 With both sides of the Russian front in the past tew weeks concentrating great masses of troops supplies and the Luftwaffe and Red Air Force determinedly raiding each other’s depots behind the lines it is apparent that the opponents are squaring up for mammoth movements, but at present, except for large-scale air raids, there are no actions exceeding tactical importance. The German news agency tonight said that considerably increased Russian shock troop activity on several fronts shewed that the Russians are ready for a large-scale offensive. The news agency added that after a long lull the > enemy yesterday again launched attacks against the northern wing of tne Kuban bridehead, which were repelled. A fairly stiong local attach west of Bielgorod was also beaten back. Reuter’s Moscow correspondent says that though four townships were wrested from the Germans north-west of Mtsensk, on tile Mos-cow-Orel railway, there is i-o indication from Russian circles that the Russian attack here has gone beyond tactical operations. Reuter also reports that the Germans west of Rostov are pressing the attack with great determination. For the second successive aay tne battle swayed to and fro since dawn, but late at night the Russians were holding all positions, though one of them was temporarily lost during the day. Armament Works Attacked The Berlin radio stated that the Luftwaffe last night re-attacked armament works at Gorki and Saratov. east of Moscow. Large fires were observed. Six million school children from Russian towns will work on collective farms during their holidays. A large number of children in small villages will also do farm work. Many of them will cultivate their own school grounds. In the Moscow region 20,000 children will work in repair shops and workshops, repairing school equipment and their own footwear and clothes. Arms From America The lend-lease arrangement i s providing Russia with vital assistance in the field of industry and agriculture, says the United States Lend-least Administrator, Mr Stettin ius, in a report on such shipments during the 19 months ended April 30 last.

The most important single contribution is completed weapons—tanks, planes and guns—in thousands. These have been shipped over a variety of routes and taany planes have been flown all the way or assembled en route after being delivered part of the way in American ships. Against the enemy they have made themselves felt effectively. A close second has been raw materials, shipped and fabricated into weapons by Russia’s industrial plants.