CROSSINGS OF SEA

Waikato Times, Volume 194, Issue 22321, 12 April 1944, Page 3

CROSSINGS OF SEA

RELEASE OF LARGE FORCES ADVANCE INTO RUMANIA (Receiced April 12, noon) LONDON, April II Simultaneous crossings of the Sivash Sea by the Russians are believed to have been on a front of about thirty miles. Very large Russian forces were released for these operations by the clearing of the Nikopol salient. The enemy forces in the Crimea, on the other hand, consist mostly of Rumanians, of whom there are probably seven divisions. There are several German divisions, but the total strength of the garrison is not likely to exceed 100,000. The Germans so lar have not lost any men as prisoners in the Odessa region. It seems likely that there will be a big haul at least of equipment before they are driven completely beyond the Dniester estuary. The Russian armies moving into northern Rumania are reckoned to have covered up to at least 50 miles on a 100-mile front in the last three days. It does not appear, therefore, that serious resistance has even yet developed east of the Carpathians. The main direction of the advance is southwards and the lasi-Kishinev-Tiraspol position is being rapidly outflanked.

* In the Ruthenian border region it is not clear whether the former Czecho-Slovak frontier has been reached at Yablonica Pass itself or a little further east at the extreme tip of Czecho-Slovakia. Reports that the crest has been crossed have not been confirmed.