NAZI ATTACKS ON EASTERN FRONT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 July 1941, Page 5

NAZI ATTACKS ON EASTERN FRONT

No Important Change Reported by Either Side AIR RAID ON MOSCOW SEVENTEEN GERMAN PLANES SHOT DOWN LONDON, July 22. Heavy fighting still continues on the three main sectors of the Russian front and neither Berlin or Moscow report any change. A German communique merely says the Russian defence has been divided into unco-ordinated groups. It is stated that the Russians are successfully holding the northern German thrust towards Leningrad at a point 150 miles short of the city. Near Smolensk the Germans may have gained some ground, but Berlin speaks of very heavy Russian counter-attacks. Another message states that Smolensk is still burning. In the southern sector the Germans claim to have crossed the River Dniester and it is possible that the Russians have had to withdraw in this sector. The Russians state that the Germans lost 17 aeroplanes during a raid on Moscow last night and 19 in two unsuccessful attempts to bomb Leningrad. The Russians lost four planes defending Leningrad. German bomber crews returning from the Moscow raid speak of the terrific and concentrated antiaircraft gun fire met with over the Russian capital. The British Government has decided to maintain friendly relations for the present with Finland but it is made clear that this attitude may be at any time reversed in the light of events. This announcement, was made by Lord Snell in the House of Lords.