GRIP ON ITALY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 14 January 1943, Page 3

GRIP ON ITALY

STIFFENED BV GERMANS LAND AND AIR FORCES INCREASED. ATTEMPT TO BOLSTER SAGGING MORALE. (By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright) NEW YORK, January 12. Travellers from Italy report that German troops, who hitherto have been remaining mostly in the background, now parade in formation of at least a division, accompanied by full field equipment, says the Berne correspondent of the “New York Times.” Simultaneously, close formations of the Luftwaffe are vieing with each other in seeing how closely they can miss the roof-tops. The general interpretation placed on these actions is that Berlin ,is seeking to bolster up the sagging Italian morale in view of the worsening situation on the eastern front and in North Africa. There is a growing belief that Italy will soon close the Swiss frontier to lessen espionage. The Ankara correspondent of the “New York Times” says Germany has rushed fresh troops to Crete, including a division specially trained to resist commando and parachute operations. The Germans are steadily strengthening the Aegean and Dodecanese islands.