DRIVE ON WARSAW

Evening Star, Issue 23369, 12 September 1939, Page 5

DRIVE ON WARSAW

Major Battle in Progress

* Nazis Repulsed by Gun Fire

Warplanes Rain Bombs On City

Pres* Association—By Telegraph—Copyright

BERLIN, September 11

• The German High Command acknowledged that a major battle is in progress in Poland. The fight for the possession of Warsaw seems only to have begun.

The German radio admits withdrawal from the centre of Warsaw owing to Polish artillery fire. It also accuses the Poles of firing on their own capital.

In a broadcast from Lwow the High Command declares that Germans have withdrawn from the immediate neighbourhood of Warsaw and are consolidating lines farther back.

It is claimed that eight Polish planes were destroyed and seven shot down in an aerial battle at Lublin. The air force is harassirlg the Narew and Bug Rivers sector. Preparations are being made for a final drive against Warsaw.

The opinion is expressed that the capture of Warsaw will not be easy.

Poles retreating from the Kutno section are being pushed towards the capital. The main, force of the Polish army is expected to offer determined resistance east of Warsaw. A communique issued by the Polish Supreme Command declared that German forces penetrated close to Warsaw, but were compelled to retire. The city withstood 14 air raids by 70 bombers, 15 of which were shot down, five crashing in the city. Further buildings were set on fire with incendiary bombs. The Germans are unable to make important gains. It is stated that a German plane dropped large quantities of Polish bank notes over Warsaw, probably in an endeavour to depreciate the currency.

The German radio claims that the occupied parts of Poland will increase the Reich coal production by one quarter. Thirty-eight million tons will he gained from Upper Silesia, Domhrova, and Cracow, 7,500,000 tons from the Olsa district. Occupation will also mean an increase of 2,000,000 tons of iron ore, principally, from the rich mines in the Wielun district. The Polish contribution of zinc ore has increased to over half Germany’s total production. A valuable armament industry has been secured in the occupied town of Kielce. Germans south-east of Warsaw are establishing bridge-heads over the Bug, which is regarded as .the last possible line of defence.

The Polish Ambassador appeals to 800,000 nationals in France to form a legion for action with the French on the western front.

The Polish agency reports that German prisoners were astounded to learn that the Allies have entered the war.

IN THE SAAR FRENCH ON WESTERN FRONT ADVANCE DN TWENTY-MILE LINE STRONG NAZI RESISTANCE ENCOUNTERED LONDON. September 10. A message from Paris states that the Germans were reported to-night to be striking into a triangle formed by the junction of the Moselle and Saar Rivers on the extreme northern flank of the western front, where the French have advanced furthest into Saarland. Fifty miles south-east the French are advancing on a 20-mile front between the Saar River and the foothills of the Vosges. Between these sectors German '.counter-attacks from the shelter of a maze of coalmine galleries have apparently halted the French advance. A communique describing the German counter-attacks in the region north-east ,df Sierk suggests that they are_ attacksing close to the French frontier, apparently following French tactics and using the Luxembourg frontier to cover the right flank. NAZIS RETREATING STUBBORNLY LONDON, September 10. , • A message from Paris states that a direct assault on the Siegfried Line • can be expected at anv time. The resistance north of Bitche is strong and the Germans are retreating stubbornly. THE FRENCH GAINS OF DEFINITE IMPORTANCE ARTILLERY POUNDING WEST WALL NEW YORK. September 10 The Paris correspondent of the ‘ New York Times 1 says the importance of the French gains can be gauged by the fact that first line troops at several points , ar® at the advanced West Wail works, which are the ultimate objective. It is noteworthy that a German communique mentions the advanced works, claiming that the French arc far behind them, which undoubtedly they are at some points, for the front is not straight. The attackers’ aim is to secure vital,points in order to* escape flanking fire and organise conquered positions to facilitate an advance. The French command portions of the Laute River and the Saar River, the impor-

tance of which lies _in the tact that cross-roads and rail junctions cross the Saar between Wolklingen and Wad gassen. During the methodical advance French heavy artillery is pounding the West Wall to test its solidity, while aeroplanes constantly fly over taking photographs. PLANNED ACTIDNS NO WASTE OF FRENCH LIVES PARTS, September 11. '* Le Petit Parisien ’ says: “ For more than 24 hours the Germans have resisted energetically on the whole of the north-east front, especially by means of artillery, which seems to indicate that our troops have bitten well into the Siegfried Line. Our artillery replied, effectively protecting a series of actions planned with the greatest prudence.” ‘ Le Petit Journal’ says: “All our bases for future movements are assured in German territory.” ‘ Le Matin ’ says; “ All the attacks have been brought about slowly with prudence and method. General Gamelin is anxious to save French blood, and he will not engage divisions in badlyprepared battles.” SIEGFRIED LINE SERIES OF MILTARY POSITIONS OF GREAT DEPTH NEW YORK, September 10. The London correspondent of the New York ‘Times’ says misapprehensions concerning the Siegfried Line are being dissipated. It is not a line in the Maginot sense, but rather a series of military positions of great depth, the general theory of which is delaying action by outposts and stronger resistance in successive defence lines, the terrain between which is chequered with small forts and ma-chine-gun nests. The theory provides for heavy counter-attacks by reserve mobile divisions before, the enemy is able to consolidate amid the ruins of captured ground. There are sections of the Siegfried Line at least 15 miles deep. Travellers in Germany during the September crisis were surprised by the comparatively few troops near the frontier/ but there are thousands 15 miles behind these —mechanised, mobile counter-attackers. The Siegfried Line defences can be breached, the correspondent, adds, but during the whole campaign not a siugie action is likely to be required. INDIA'S LOYALTY MESSAGE FROM KING GEORGE SIMLA, September 11. (Received September 12, at 8 a.m.) The King-Emperor’s message expressing deep satisfaction at India's loyalty was read in a crowded joint session of the Legislature.

WAR ON SHIPPING TWELVE VESSELS SUNK TO DATE LONDON, September 10. The Ministry of Information announced that the ship Magdapnr was sunk, with some casualties, while there were no casualties in the sinking of the Rio Clara. No details are available. The ships sunk now total 12. BREMEN NOT AT NAPLES SALE TO ITALY DENIED I NAPLES, September 10. The Bremen has not arrived here. The report that the liner was sold to an Italian line is denied. AMERICAN ARMS EMBARGO PRESIDENT CONFIDENT OF REPEAL NEW YORK, September 10. President Roosevelt is confident that two-thirds of the Senate will favour repeal of the arms embargo. He is concerned lest the threatened filibuster will prevent immediate adjournment Thereafter the President is determined to call a special session, and is likely tp issue a summons before the weekend. He is anxious to avoid a protracted debate, because an unfortunate impression may be gained in European capitals that there is national division. -TROOPS FROM POLAND MOVING TOWARDS FRANCE LONDON, September 10. An intercepted Moscow' broadcast stated that many German aeroplanes are flying over Berlin on their way to the western front. Many troops are moving from Poland towards France. It was noted that when the (Russian language was used the tone of the broadcast favoured England and France, but the broadcast in German favoured Germany. RAIDERS DRIVEN OFF AIR ATTACK ON PARIS LONDON, September 10. The Paris correspondent of the British United Press says that the air raid sirens sounded in Paris at 4.15 a.m. The all-clear signal was given at 5.20 a.m. The raiders are reported to have been driven off far from the capital. SYMPATHY FOR POLAND FEELING IN SCANDINAVIA VILNA, September 11. ! (Received September 12, at 8 a.m.) M. Lipski told journalists that there was spontaneous sympathy throughout Scandinavia in Poland’s fight for freedom. ELECTRICALLY CONTROLLED MACHINE GUNS REPORTED USE BY GERMANS LONDON, September 11. (Received September 12, at 8 a.m.) The Paris correspondent of the British United Press says that the Germans are reported to be using machine guns operated electrically by remote control. MELBOURNE SPRING CARNIVAL CANCELLATION OF MOST ITEMS MELBOURNE, September 11. (Received September 12, at 8 a.m.) The war has made necessary the cancellation of all hut three items of the spring carnival arranged in Melbourne to coincide with the arrival of the Duke of Kent. The street decorations, the floral pageant, the queen carnival, the motor and air rallies, and the military tattoo have been cancelled. CONTROL OF FOODSTUFFS DRASTIC DEGREES IN GERMANY BERLIN, September 11. (Received September 12, at 8 a.m.) The ‘ Law Gazette ’ publishes drastic decrees ordering sweeping State control in the rationing and distribution of grain and grain products, meat, milk, dairy products, sugar, marmalade, spices, and seasonings. The distribution of potatoes, eggs, and fish is on the basis of the Reich cards. The different cards become effective immediately and are timed till October 2. CHECK TO PROFITEERING NEW AUSTRALIAN REGULATIONS Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright CANBERRA, September 11. (Received September 12, at 8 a.m.) Imprisonment for substantial terms, as well as money penalties, will be provided in the Federal Government antiprofiteering regulations which will he issued shortly. SWEDISH EXPORTS CONTROL OVER CERTAIN PRODUCTS STOCKHOLM, September 11. (Received September 12, at 8 a.m.) Sweden has resolved to control the export of iron ore, timber, wood pulp, and paper.

VOLUNTEERS FOR THE AIR CALL IN HEW ZEALAND. [Per United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, September 11. A call tor volunteers desiring to serve in either the lloy.nl Air Force or the Iloyal New Zealand Air Force “ for the duration of the war ” was made to-day by the Air Department. Pilots, air - gunners, and observers are wanted and no previous flying experience is necessary. Candidates must not bo less than 17 J years of age, but under 28 years. They must be unmarried, able to pass the prescribed medical examination, and educated up to the standard of the school certificate or university entrance examination. Particular stress is laid on the necessity for the education qualification specified. The Minister of Defence (Mr Jones) said that the men were required for an air crew section of the Hoyal Air Force. They would be granted the rank of leading aircraftsmen and paid at tlie rate of £l5O a year, plus rations and quarters. Rank on completion of training would depend upon the ability shown while under training and the nature of the men’s duties. The candidates accepted will be trained in New Zealand and if selected for overseas service will be granted free passages to the United Kingdom. P.ay. will be continuous from the date of entry to the. date of transfer to the Iloyal Air I‘orce, when the Iloyal Air Force rates of pay will apply. This scheme replaces nil previous methods of entry and is now the only method for untrained men to enter the Hying branch of either service. Particulars and forms of application can be obtained from the Air Secretary, Air Department, Wellington. WAR “ONLY STARTING ” POLISH RESISTANCE STIFFENS FRONT STRAIGHTENING OUT LONDON, September 11. The ‘ Daily Express ’ correspondent, now on the Rumanian-Palish frontier, describing how members of the Government and foreign embassies and newspapermen evacuated Warsaw, says: — “ It was a Jonh nasty trip from Warsaw across bridges crammed with small, skinny horses [Hilling lowwheeled carts piled up with bundles of bedding, clothes, and furniture. Among them the shiny, smart limousines belonging to the Government, with staff officers, diplomats, and officials inside, made for the country. “ All along the road I saw preparations for resistance. More troops have moved into positions and guns lumbered down the road. In some places, where they are near the front, bridges have been prepared for mining. “ Down the Ukraine road I found a great number of refugees, mostly Jews fleeing from Silesia, Katowice, Cracow, Lodz, and other towns which Had fallen to the Germans. Down south the Germans are not finding progress so easy owing to the difficulty of terrain. “ So far as Poland is concerned, I can say that the war is really only starting now that the fronts are straightening out and getting to the line that the Polish General Staff previously laid down as the main line of resistance.” The journalists travelled over 450 miles from Warsaw and were constantly menaced by German bombers. RUMANIAN RESERVISTS CONCENTRATED ON FRONTIERS LONDON, September 11. The Bucharest correspondent of the 1 Daily Mail ’ says the Government issued a, decree calling up about--150.000 reservists. They will be concentrated on the Polish and Hungarian frontiers. WARNING TO CZECHS ENLISTMENT IN FOREIGN ARMIES PRAGUE, September 10. The protectorate Government has issued a warning that enlistment in foreign armies will be regarded as treason and will moot with severe punishment. The fate of citizens of the protectorate who are captured while fighting with a foreign army is emphasised. SPIRITUAL CONTRIBUTION CLERGY FORBIDDEN TO FIGHT LONDON, September 11. The Bishop of Lichfield forbids the clergy in his diocese to join the Army as combatants. H£ emphasises that the unique contribution the clergy are able to make in national need is a spiritual one, RESERVISTS GALLED UP PRECAUTIONS IN BELGIUM BRUSSELS, September 10. Belgium has called up an undisclosed number of reservists for instruction. NAZI PROPAGANDA FAILS TO CONVINCE SWITZERLAND BERNE, September 11. The. Havas News Agency states that the Nazi efforts to persuade the world that peace is possible have had no effect on Switzerland, which is confident that Britain and France will not abandon punishment of Hitlerism.