ACTIVITY OF RUSSIANS

Southland Times, Issue 24874, 14 October 1942, Page 5

ACTIVITY OF RUSSIANS

SMALL ATTACKS AT STALINGRAD (Rec. 7.50 p.m.) LONDON, Oct. 12. The Russians refuse to play Hitler’s game at Stalingrad. Instead of gratefully accepting the lull in the German ground attacks and resigning themselves to endure constant shelling and bombing, they are hitting back in many small sectors, bayoneting the Germans from houses and forcing the tired enemy to maintain a most active defence. It is not yet clear whether the Germans are using the lull for building up a new striking force before Stalingrad or are diverting shock forces to the Caucasus. Berlin reports mention fighting in snow storms near the Black Sea coast, which emphasizes Hitler’s need for speed if he desires to force a passage of the Caucasian Mountains before the winter in order to secure a jumping off ground for a Middle East drive in conjunction with a renewed offensive in Egypt. The German reinforcements still coming up to Stalingrad may be defensive groups intended to replace shock troops diverted elsewhere, but the Russians are not taking chances. They are constantly strengthening the defences and are feeding men and materials into the city across the Volga. It is revealed that underground factories throughout the siege have turned out munitions and repaired tanks and vehicles. Berlin radio claims that the Germans are maintaining their advance towards Tuapse along the road from Armavir. It also claims that the bridgeheads on the Terek River have all been linked up. MOSCOW PREPARES The Mayor of Moscow made a statement that the city is not taking chances, but is preparing for a possible German offensive. The defences are constantly being strengthened and the anti-air-craft defences are being increased. The population in the last six months has been increased by 400,000 to 3,200,000. “We are determined that the people will get warmth, also essential food, transport, electricity, gas, hospitals, baths, theatres and cinemas,” he said. “Eighty thousand wood cutters have been mobilized, chiefly women. They are doing wonderfully, but transport is the main problem. We are well supplied with food, which is stored throughout the city to prevent undue loss in air raids.” The correspondent of The Times reports that members of the Red Army get three hot meals daily and the German soldiers only one. The Germans for breakfast get bread, margarine and tea, or ersatz coffee. The Russians get a basin of hot pea or rice soup. For dinner the Germans get hot potato soup and mashed potatoes. The Russians get soup, meat or fish and vegetables. For supper the Germans get the same as for breakfast. The Russians get porridge and peas, often herrings, and tea. The Russians seldom miss meals, even in the heaviest engagements. There are many inconspicuous heroes among the cooks and food-carriers. FULL SUPPLIES OF FOOD

Junior commanders take turns at kitchen duty, where they see that the correct quantities of food are put into the cookers. Sanitary instructors attached to each sub-division are responsible for the quality. The rations contain adequate fats and vegetables. When fresh vegetables are not available vitamin preparations are added.

These are sometimes made on the spot by specially treating sweet briar or pine needles. British and American lard, egg powder and tinned meat are among the rations. The Red Army is fully supplied, despite the loss of the Ukraine, Don and Kuban grain. German plunderers have had some luxurious feasts, but the officers and non-commissioned officers mostly benefit. The plundering is so thorough that the Germans following up do not find anything. MINISTERS EXCHANGED AUSTRALIA AND RUSSIA (Rec. 7 p.m.) CANBERRA, Oct. 13. An interchange of Ministers between Australia and Russia has been announced by the Minister of External Affairs, Dr H. V. Evatt. The first Australian Minister to Russia will be Mr William Slater, Speaker of the Victorian Legislative Assembly. Russia has appointed as her Minister in Australia M. Andrei Petrovitch Vlasov, of the Soviet People’s Commissariat for Foreign Affairs. M. Vlasov is 37 years of age, one of the youngest members of the Soviet Diplomatic Service.