SLOWING DOWN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 24 July 1941, Page 5

SLOWING DOWN

ADMITTED BY THE GERMANS In Advances on Leningrad and Moscow SMOLENSK REPORTED STILL IN RUSSIAN HANDS FRESH SOVIET DIVISIONS MOVED INTO BATTLE LONDON, July 23. Germany admits tonight that the advances on Leningrad and Moscow are being slowed down in the terrific battles now going on. The existence of very large Russian forces in the rear of the German armoured units which have pressed on beyond Smolensk has forced the Germans to make a wide detour round the city in order to reach the advanced units. A Reuter message from Moscow says it is authoritatively stated that Smolensk is still in Russian hands. It is pointed out that the Russian High Command has never admitted the capture of Smolensk by the Germans. A fierce tank battle is said to be raging and fresh Russian divisions from Moscow have been moved into the battle. The biggest and bloodiest conflict of the war is now said to be raging along the whole front. The Russians are hurling enormous reserves into action for the protection of Leningrad, Moscow and Kiev. Neither the Germans nor the Finns have yet mentioned a new thrust from the Finnish frontier, which appears to be aimed at the Stalin Canal. The invading forces have not yet reached the main defences of Leningrad. Five German transports and an oil tanker are reported to have been sunk in a Russian bombing attack on a convoy. It is not stated where the attack took place.