Late War News EARLY ANXIETY DISCLOSED

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 197, 18 May 1944, Page 6

Late War News EARLY ANXIETY DISCLOSED

Offensive In Italy STRONGEST LINE MAY LIE AHEAD (By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Received May 18, 12.40 a.m.) WNDON, May 1". President Roosevelt at a Press conference in Washington said that conditions on the Italian front had improved and were more encouraging. He stated that on the first day after the new campaign began he was feeling not at all well about the reports received; the Allies did not seem to be making much progress. However, on the second and third days the situation improved, and things were distinctly 'better now. , Reuter’s correspondent with the Eighth Army says: “General Alexander's offensive generally is proceeding according to plan. Distances are not our objective, but rather neutralization and destruction of the enemy’s forces in Italy. Kesselring is now manning the Adolf Hitler Line, to which the Germans are rolling back. Reports coming in describe the line as the most closely-packed defence system encountered throughout the war. x Nazis Flood Liri. The Germans have begun flooding the Liri Valley in the area of the Eighth Army's Rapido bridgehead, and also have brought up tank and infantry reinforcements in a desperate effort to save their Cassino positions. Severe fighting continues north of Pignataro. Effective Allied bombing of hostile gun areas and also ,our counter-artillery fire have resulted in less enemy shelling ot the Rapido gateway, where bridging operations continue. All types of vehicles can now go over. The Germans are pouring deadly fire from the hills behind Cassino against the Eighth Army troops pushing forward close to Highway 6. Xhe enemy resistance has been stiffened to cover vital communications along the highway. They have made several counter-attacks supported by tanks, but were thrown back and the British infantry and tanks continue to advance. . Reuter’s correspondent at the Allied headquarters says the Americans have captured Scauri, on the coast almost due south of Spigno, and also Castellonorato, about half-way between Scraui . and-' Mpiguo, which fell after heavy fighting.