STRONG FORCES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 16 December 1943, Page 4

STRONG FORCES

SENT TO THE BALKANS

ACCORDING TO GERMAN NEWS AGENCY.

ATTEMPT TO FORESTALL ALLIED

ACTION.

(By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) LONDON, December 14.

The German news agency states that important German reinforcements have reached the Balkans, and that all indications point to immediate operations on a large scale aiming at a thorough mopping-up the Balkans area.

The diplomatic correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph,” referring to the German reports, says that the messages may be true in view of the obvious danger from an Allied invasion of the Balkans; however, it should be noted that German insistance on the massive nature of the reinforcements may contain an element of bluff. It would be wise to regard the unsubstantiated reports of panic in Bulgaria, which are still plentiful, with reserve, the correspondent adds. Most of the reports are based on the events of last week when the Bulgarian Government had to face a sudden crisis caused by rumours to the effect that Turkey had agreed to enter the war. In fact, it seems that the Government has managed to tide over the crisis for the time being and means to stand by its pro-German policy. The “Daily Express,” commenting on the reports of reinforcements, says that the Germans presumably wish tb smash Marshal Tito’s Partisan opposition inYugoslavia before the opening of new fronts elsewhere makes fresh calls on tfheir armies.