MADE BY THE RUSSIANS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 7 August 1942, Page 3

MADE BY THE RUSSIANS

Situation Grave in Extreme South THREAT TO STALINGRAD ALSO INCREASING GERMANS USING OVERWHELMING MECHANISED FORCES LONDON, August 6. In Russia the threat to Stalingrad is increasing and the situation in the extreme south is grave. Still further Russian withdrawals, have been made. In a despatch to the London “News-Chronicle,” Mr Paul Winterton emphasises the gravity of the situation in the southern area. The Germans are making unconfirmed claims of a rapid advance towards the Caspian. The enemy is using overwhelming forces of tanks, motorised infantry and aircraft. How far the wedge has been driven into the Russian positions is not officially stated, but pressure by the enemy is very great. There is a more cheerful picture of the situation in respect to the most westward of the three German drives, that near the Sea of Azov. Although the Germans have gained some ground they are still only a,bout 60 miles south of Rostov. ; The Russian left flank appears to be holding firm, though this does not appear to be the case where the third German thrust is concerned. This drive to Stalingrad has made new and dangerous progress. The Germans have succeeded in forcing a passage of the Don in great strength and breaking through the Soviet lines. The gap was closed, but later a further withdrawal became necessary.