VOLTURNO RIVER

Wairarapa Times-Age, 11 October 1943, Page 3

VOLTURNO RIVER

CROSSED BV ALLIED PATROLS CONCENTRATION ON SOUTH BANK. GERMANS FALLING BACK BEFORE EIGHTH ARMY. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) LONDON, October 9. It is officially reported that patrols of the Fifth Army have crossed the Volturno River west of Capua. The Allies have captured Caserta, •an important road junction 15 miles north-east of Naples. The main body of the Fifth Army is concentrating on the south bank before jntempting the crossing of the Volturno, wihch will have to be made in the face of heavy fire. The German-controlled Paris radio says the increasing Allied pressure will soon force Kesselring to withdraw northward. The German forces which have been driven from Termoli on the Adriatic are falling back on the Trigno River, 10 miles to the north, with the Eighth Army close on their heels, reports the correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph.” The Germans have abandoned the lateral road running from Termoli to Campobasso, 35 miles to the southwest. The German news agency, admits that German covering forces have abandoned forward positions on the Gambatesa heights, midway between Foggia and Campobasso. Berlin says that at, least 24 Allied divisions are operating in Italy. AEGEAN FIGHTING ALLIES OCCUPY ANOTHER ISLAND. SUCCESSFUL AIR ATTACK ON ENEMY SHIPS. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) LONDON, October 10. An enemy attack against the small Dodecanese island of Symi, mentioned in a Cairo communique on Friday, is the first indication that Allied troops had occupied it. Today’s Middle East communique reports attacks on enemy shipping in the Kos area of the Dodecanese. An enemy merchant vessel was hit by a bomb and smoking. Smoke was also observed ' coming from the stern of an escort vessel, which had its speed reduced. PRAYERS FOR POPE VIRTUALLY A PRISONER IN GERMAN HANDS. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, October 9. On behalf of the Catholic hierarchy of England and Wales, Dr. Downey, Archbishop of Liverpool, states: “We learn with regret .that his Holiness Pope Pius XII is virtually a prisoner in the hands of the Germans, without freedom of access to his spiritual children through the world. The conscience of Christendom is shocked at this latest outrage against religion, and we appeal confidently to our follow countrymen to join us in our prayers for the safety and liberty of>the Holy Father.” ANTLJEWISH LAWS REVIVED BY THE PUPPET GOVERNMENT. LONDON, October 9. Mussolini’s Government has revived the anti-Jewish laws, reports the Fascist radio. These measures will end once for all Jewish ability to harm the national interest. Many Jews, specially those in the Ministries, the Press and radio, have been removed from the posts they held under Marshal Badoglio.

GERMAN STORY , < - •'(r.YTJ.Q BRITISH SOLDIERS ATTEMPT” TO ENTER VATICAN. LONDON, October 9. According to the Berlin radio, seventeen armed British soldiers tried to enter the Vatican a few days ago. Swiss guards disarmed them. ITALY’S RICHEST MAN ARREST BY THE GERMANS REPORTED. LONDON, October 8. The Germans are reported to have arrested Count Volpi, the richest man in Italy and former host of Mussolini, after a six weeks’ chase across northern Italy. He is reported to be on his way to Berlin under guard. Volpi fled from Milan when his villa was wrecked and looted after Mussolini’s downfall on July 26. Count Volpi, an industrialist with a special interest in electrical concerns, received his title in 1912. He was a member of the Italian delegation to the peace conference after the last war and was given other diplomatic missions. He was Governor of Tripolitania in the early 1920’5, and became for a time Minister of Finance under Mussolini. He wrote a book called “Fascist Finance.” Count Volpi is aged 66. He was regarded as one of Mussolini’s most influential backers. GERMAN PROTEST ADDRESSED TO TURKEY. REGARDING FACILITIES GRANTED TO BRITAIN. ANKARA, October 9. Germany has protested to Turkey against what Berlin describes as Turkey’s unneutral attitude over the Dodecanese fighting. It alleges that Turkey has allowed British planes to fly over Turkish territory without interference and also that British officers are permitted to travel between Turkey and British-occupied islands.