THREAT TO TURKEY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 13 September 1941, Page 5

THREAT TO TURKEY

FURTHER HINTS FROM AXIS POSSIBILITY OF INVASION. ALTERNATIVE TO OVERCOME SOVIET RESISTANCE. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) ' LONDON, September 12. A message from Rome hints at the possibility of an invasion of Turkey by the Axis. This is stated by the Geneva correspondent of the “Daily Mail,” who says the message was passed by the Italian censor. It adds that the Russian resistance was as great a surprise to the Germans as to the rest of the world and that their terrific effort will necessitate a long pause throughout the winter. Transport of petrol has proved infinitely more difficult for the Germans across Russia than across any other part of the front. The only alternative is a new drive across Turkey. The Italians must guard against any illusion of an early end to the eastern war, concludes the Rome message.

RED ARMY POSITION SAID TO BE DESPERATE AMERICAN WRITER’S VIEW. NEW YORK, September 11. The New York “Posts militaiy correspondent, Mr Fletcher Pratt, does not agree with optimists who believe that Russia is now driving toward success. The Red Army’s position, he says, is desperate. At best they have delayed the Nazi schedule, but the defence of Leningrad is a mistake, e adds because it is more important to save a million troops than hold the city.