ENEMY FORCES IN SOLLUM AREA

Wairarapa Times-Age, 15 May 1941, Page 5

ENEMY FORCES IN SOLLUM AREA

Harried Constantly by British Patrols SUCCESSFUL OFFENSIVE ACTION BY TOBRUK GARRISON FURTHER PROGRESS IN ABYSSINIA LONDON', May .16. In North Africa the latest official news is that the enemy has again withdrawn to his original positions south and west of Solium, where he is being’ constantly harried by British mechanised patrols and R.A.F. fighters. In the Tobruk area two German medium tanks were destroyed and many casualties were inflicted on the enemy during a limited offensive operation by the British troops. In Northern Abyssinia the two British forces converging on Amba Alagi are still making satisfactory progress, in spite of road obstructions and other difficulties. South of Addis Ababa strong defence positions have been captured and 500 prisoners, two batteries, five light tanks and an anti-aircraft gun taken. Operations by British air forces continue. SITUATION IN IRAQ QUIET In Iraq the situation is reported to be quiet. Mr Eden told the House of Commons that air operations would be continued vigorously throughout the country. The action taken had been directed to maintaining Britain’s treaty rights and did not constitute any threat to Iraq independence. , A number of units of the Royal Greek Navy have arrived safely in Alexandria. They are extremely useful and modern ships.