BRITISH VIEW

Wairarapa Times-Age, 15 August 1941, Page 6

BRITISH VIEW

POSITION IN UKRAINE RUSSIANS IN DIFFICULTIES. COMMENT ON NAZI CLAIMS. I.By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright' ((Received This Day, 12.55 p.mj LONDON. August 14. While the “Pravda.” says there are no important changes in the disposition of the Russian troops, because the Red Army’s mighty resistance is smashing the German offensive, Hitler’s headquarters and also the German radio and News Agency today put out claims of success which cannot be ignored, in view of the obvious difficulties in which the thrusts in the Ukraine have placed Marshal Budenny’s forces. The German High Command, referring to the capture of the mining centre of Krivoirog, which produces over 19.000,000 tons of high-grade ore each year, says Russia, by this loss, has suffered a shattering economic and military blow. M. Lozovsky is characteristically unperturbed and, when commenting on the German claim of Odessa being encircled, he declared: ‘‘lt is only the Germans’ wishful thinking. When the Russian communiques say there is nothing important happening on the front this means that the Germans have been halted and are not advancing anywhere.” Asked what significance was attached to the evacuation of Smolensk, M. Lozovsky said: ‘‘Our tactics aim to exb.ct the highest price for each yard of territory and also not to permit the encirclement of the Red Army. Every square yard of Smolensk soil is soaked with the blood of many Germans.”

GERMAN REPORT

IMPORTANT IRON WORKS SEIZED.

(Received This Day, 12.45 p.m.) LONDON, August 14.

A special German communique states: ‘The Soviet defence of the Western Ukraine is approaching a complete collapse, Rumanian troops have encircled Odessa and Hungarians have outflanked Nikolaev, from the west and east. Westward of the Bug River, strong enemy formations are approaching annihilation. German mobile units have seized the iron ore works at Krivoirog, which were producing 61 per cent of Russia’s iron ore.

HITLER IN UKRAINE

ACCORDING TO ROME RADIO. (.Received This Day, 12.45 p.m.) LONDON, August 14. A Rome radio message announces that Hitler has moved his headquarters to the Ukraine.

FINNISH CLAIMS

FIGHTING IN LAKE LADOGA SECTOR. (Received This Day, 12.45 p.m.) LONDON, August 14. A Finnish communique says: “Under pressure from our troops, the enemy is trapped inside rings of encirclement on the coast of Lake Ladoga, fighting to the last man, and, in some -places, attempting to rescue troops from some parts of Lake Ladoga.’’