PROBLEM FOR NAZIS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 24 July 1941, Page 6

PROBLEM FOR NAZIS

SET BY STUBBORN RUSSIAN RESISTANCE Speculation Regarding Diversion to Middle East IN HOPE OF OBTAINING OIL SUPPLIES REPORTED STRONG PRESSURE ON TURKEY (By Telegraph—Press Association.—Copyright.) (Retmivod This Dav, Noon.) LONDON, July 23. Authoritative quarters in London agree that the second German thrust on Leningrad, Moscow and Kiev has spent itself with the Russians maintaining their resistance on practically all fronts. Point to this contention is given by the statement cf a German High Command spokesman: “It is better now for us to stay put in Russia for the time being. We do not intend to cross natural obstacles, such as rivers and marshes, but to take advantage of them to impede the retreat of the enemy. ’ ’ Simultaneously, Berlin officials warned foreign correspondents not to expect sensational communiques in the next few days. The lull in the German drive is provoking speculation in London as to whether Germany may attack in the Middle East, sending troops through Turkey—with or without permission—in an attempt to seize the oilfields stretching frbm Baku to Iran. The “Daily Express’s’’ Stockholm correspondent and the “Daily Herald’s’’ diplomatic correspondent both declare that Germany is bringing strong pressure on Turkey to co-operate with the Axis and thus provide a passage for German armies. The “Express’’ correspondent reports that British officers from Iraq and Teheran arrived recently at Kasnodar to establish with the Russian authorities headquarters for the defence of the Baku oilfields. " Military observers jooint cut that the Russian campaign must have severely drained German fuel supplies, which have not been replaced. A drive to the cast, in an attempt to seize the great oil basin from Baku to Iran, would therefore not be surprising.