COSTLY AFFAIR

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 20661, 12 January 1942, Page 5

COSTLY AFFAIR

GERMAN RETREAT SOLDIER’S ADMISSION ARMY DEMORALISED - (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (British Official Wireless.) Reed. noon. RUGBY, Jan. 11. Proof of the official sanction given to looting in occupied Russia has been found in a captured German order of the day in which, according to a supplement to the Russian communique, the German commandant says: “To ameliorate winter quarters, I allow troops to take from occupied villages articles like lamps, chairs, tables, etc.” The supplement publishes a letter found on the body of a German lancecorporal in which the writer says: “Our retreat was a very costly affair. On Christmas Eve four companies arrived on our sector and were sent to field operations immediately. Twothirds of them will never celebrate Christmas again.” The Tass News Agency reports that hundreds of German officers and men are surrendering, testifying to the growing demoralisation of the German army.

Reports circulating in Stockholm state that there has been a fresh purge of German generals, involving General Guderian, General von Leeb, and General von Kleist. General Haider, Herr Hitler’s personal adviser, wishes to resign but has been persuaded to remain.

The German news agency quotes the military spokesman as admitting exceedingly violent and bitter fighting at some points on the eastern front. German activities consist of methodical defensive engagements covering the spearheads of German troops withdrawing to winter quarters. “The enemy is making a gross mistake in. continuing to throw his whole forces into battle,” the spokesman said. “History will reveal the enormous losses suffered by the Russians in fighting for territory which would be gained without loss by the withdrawal of the German front. The German losses are incomparably smaller.”