VIOLENT FIGHTING

Wairarapa Times-Age, 21 September 1943, Page 3

VIOLENT FIGHTING

IN BALKAN ADRIATIC COASTAL AREAS GERMANS MAKING NO HEADWAY. HEAVY LOSSES ON BOTH SIDES. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, September 19. Violent fighting is raging at Klis, seven miles inland from Split, for the seventh day in succession, according to information reaching the, Yugoslav authorities in London. The Germans have made no headway, and losses are heavy on both sides. Partisans are reported to be holding the coast from the north of Zara to Susak, just south of Fiume, and from the north of Sibenik to 60 or 80 miles south of Split. Most of the interior is also reported to be in the hands of the Partisans. A communique tonight from the headquarters of the Partisan army states: “The Germans indulged in savage bombing of towns and villages in Bosnia and around Split. “In Slovenia the Partisan army has ordered mobilisation of the whole male population, which is proceeding successfully, The Partisans are calling on patriots—Serbs and Slovenes —to rise now to raise a force sufficient to meet the case of an eventual Allied landing.” The communique which has been issued by “General Tito, Yugoslavia Partisan Army” also states: “The British and American officers are with the force in a liaison capacity to keep in touch with the , High Command in Cairo and deal with matters of arms and equipment. The Partisan army has lately adopted military rank, and generals have- been appointed.” The Algiers radio stated that all German'attempts to recapture Split, which was liberated by Yugoslav patriots, have failed.