STEADY ADVANCE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 31 December 1941, Page 5

STEADY ADVANCE

MADE BY RUSSIANS SOUTH-WEST OF MOSCOW

Germans Trying to Halt Retreat

MR EDEN’S TALKS WITH M. STALIN . REGARDED AS OF GREAT SIGNIFICANCE LONDON, December 30. In Russia Soviet troops are advancing’ steadily south-west of Moscow, and the Russian offensive on various other parts of the front is progressing favourably. According to the Soviet news agency the German generals are making a great effort to check the flight of their followeis, while in London it is pointed out that the German line, far from being straightened, is badly dented. Successful Russian action continues in the Leningrad area. German and Russian reports both speak of the southern front. At one point in that sector, the Russians report, forty enemy trucks and vast quantities of material were destroyed. The Moscow newspaper “Pravda” has described Mr Eden’s talks with M. Stalin as of great political significance and says they have strengthened the conviction of the people of both countries that the hour of decisive victory is approaching. In a parting message to M. Stalin, Mr Eden expressed a belief that the conversations would strengthen the common war effort and bring nearer the day of final victory. The Soviet mission of 14 trade union officials which arrived with Mr Eden today had their first talks with British trade union leaders. Sir Walter Citrine, secretary of the Trades Union Congress, discussed the Russian programme with the leader nf t.bp missinn.