INDECISIVE STAGE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 26 June 1941, Page 6

INDECISIVE STAGE

RUSSIANS DENY GERMAN CLAIMS INDICATIONS OF NAZI AIMS. LUFTWAFFE ATTACKING RAILWAYS. (Received This Day. 1.30 p.m.) LONDON, June 25. The Russian and German armies continue to grapple along an enormous front, but there is no proof cf a decisive German thrust at any point. A Hungarian report that the Germans have entered Vilna and that the occupation of Kaunas is imminent, is unconfirmed. The Russians claim that they are holding the attackers everywhere and declare that statements that the Germans have substantially advanced are without foundation. According to Swedish circles, the German military authorities admit that the present operations against. Russia ara merely preliminaries to a big clash with the main body of the Russian Army. . The first drive by the German land forces apparently was aimed at securing a quick grip of vital Russian transport systems. The fact that the Luftwaffe has now switched heavy forces against the Russian railways may mean that the land forces have not progressed to the extent expected. Announcements that Finland has entered the war. that .Sweden has agreed to the passage of troops from Norway, and that Hungary and Slovakia have broken off relations with Russia indicate that Germany is intent on gaining all the help she can secure. Swedish correspondents in Berlin report increasing German interest in Japan's attitude. Political circles suggest that Japan may drop Mr Matsuoka from the Cabinet, with a view of revising her attitude towards Russia.

BRITISH LABOUR CO-OPERATION WITH SOVIET APPROVED. (Received This Day, Noon.) LONDON. June 25. Che National Council of the Labour Party has issued a manifesto welcoming the declarations made on behalf the British, United States and Soviet .governments that they will cordially co-operate in doing all in their power <o defeat Germany. The manifesto expressed warm greetings to the Russians and assured them of support, in their effort to beat the common enemy.