STILL ADVANCING

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 104, 27 January 1943, Page 5

STILL ADVANCING

Bth Army Takes Town West Of Tripoli ATTACKS ON ZUARA LONDON, January 26. The Eighth Army, continuing its advance, has occupied Zauia, 25 miles west of Tripoli. Reporting this, today’s Cairo communique says that the retreating enemy near Zuara were attacked from the air and vessels in the harbour were hit. Yesterday, enemy supply lines in Sicily and Tunisia were bombed and machine-gunned.

Ju the words of the 8.8. C. correspondent, the occupation of Tripoli was a very proud tiling to see. When General .Montgomery received the Keys of the city from the mayor, he assured him that the Eighth Army's intuit. concern was for civilian life to continue. ••.My war is against the German and Italian armies,” he said. •T have nothing but praise for the men of lite Eighth Army,” the general added. "They have done what I expected.” According to reports from .Milan, the Italian Press referred. to the Eighth Army's march into Tripoli as the blackest day in the history of the Italian empire.” All the newspapers consoled their readers by saying that the loss of Tripolltania was only temporary, as already the Axis was preparing a coun-ter-oft'cnsive in Tunisia. Strong Axis Rearguard. LONDON, January 25. While British troops are still advancing westward, Eieid-Jlarshal Rommels main troops have probably already reached the .Mareth Line area round Ben Gardune and covering positions round Medinin. states a Cairo correspondent. Rommel has left behind only a strong rearguard to hinder the advance of the British, who are in constant contact, while we are also advancing inland. Though Rommel probably will attempt to reinforce the positions be has reached, he will need to rest his men after his J 6()() miles retreat. The 15th Panzer Division is still operating south of the coast road, but we are gradually pushing them out toward the north, reports a Cairo correspondent. 'The indications are that Rommel, who seems to have an inexhaustible quantity of mines, is still heavily mining the road coininuiiiejitions, but he jnust now find greater dillieulty in receiving supplies, as practically all must come from Sousse uml Bizerta, and a smaller amount from Tunis, lie can also still use Zuara, though its capacity is small. Berlin radio for the first time admits that Allied operations have caused Rommel's downfall, and. states that British mid American invasion of French North Africa has necessitated using a plan drawn Up some time ago to evacuate Tripoli mid withdraw the Italian ami German forces (o the Tunisian frontier. because they could not be supplied along the long-distance land route from Tunis. The Itali.uis and Germans hud to build up a defensive line with the com entration of all available forces. Al’i‘"l control of Tunis ami Bizerta won!.l have constituted a mortal peril for the Axis tank army, would have <,, a passage through the Straits of Sicily Io the British Fleet, and made it imnossible Io supply the Axis .forces by si.-i. The present Axis positions in 'lcrisia split the .Mediterranean into two ■ mid prevented direct sea communiea'uois to the Eeighth Army. Ax’s propjiganua sources suggest that th? Allies are preparing a triple blow ayi’isi the Axis in Tunisia. Berlin radio reports that the Eighth Arr v. using many tanks, is again attce 'Uing a Hanking move against Romnu't's wi I lid rawing forces, and that Foi'i'd States- forces are concentrating smith-west of Tebessn. with the apparent intention of attempting, to reach the co-'st bet we' ii Gabes and Sfnx. . I’firis radio us.mtLs lunl lhe British are ’ repuring a new offensive north of Bou Armin.

COLLECTIVE SUICIDE

Peyrouten Warns Against Dividing Population (Received .January 20, 7 p.m.) ALGIERS, January 25. "We shall ael against any attempts to divide the population of Algeria to the deiriinent of the Allies,” said M. J’eyromen. addressing high French officials. "Such attempts,” he said, “are an efilcacious arm of collective suicide. The Allies have promised to respect French sovereignty. Wo in exchange must provide active collaboration. Passive adhesion is insullicient. The difficulties will increase, particularly with food. We must remember the silent, courage of France under far greater sufferings. ”

JOINT SUPPORT FOR ALLIES

French Generals Confer NEW YORK. January 24. The Washington correspondent of the "New York Times” says that evidently the State Department has received reports on conferences between Generals de Gaulle and Girattd with the purpose of reaching an understanding enabling both groups jointly Io support the Allies. These negotiations presumably have the blessing of Britain and America.

'Pho correspondent says that. Hie Secretary of Slate indicated that something had been received on that, subject, bill lie did not give details.

NEARING TRIPOLI

i British oilicial Wireless.) RUGBY, January 26.

A report from General Leclerc's head-cp'.-r* ers states: “Our forward troops p i - :-;iied into Jebel Nefoussa and the Il< < bur enemy is being pursued without r<s ;te. Jebel Nefoussa is in a range of lolls lying west and south of Tripoli, about 50* miles from the shores of the Mediterranean. It is about 100 miles mirth of Misda, the capture of which was announced yesterday.,”