1940-06-13 — Page 29

THE CHINA MAIL, JUNE 13, 1940

Page 9:

French Compelled To Withdraw From Rheims NO SLACKENING OF NAZI ATTACKS

PARIS, TO-DAY.

OVER 2,000,000 INFANTRY AND EVERY AVAILABLE GERMAN TANK, IN- CLUDING EVEN TRAINING TANKS, HAVE NOW BEEN THROWN BY HIT- LER INTO THE “BATTLE OF PARIS” IN THE FORMIDABLE BID HE IS NOW MAKING IN HIS EFFORTS TO REACH À QUICK DECISION. The battle is likely to last several days, but it would certainly not bring a deci- sion. The main German attacks at the moment are on Vernon, on the Seine to the north-west of Paris, where the French are trying to throw them back into the river, and in the Rheims area. The Germans are bombing the Paris area, while the

Allied Air Forces are attacking convoys, troop WAR MEMORIES concentrations, bridges and other communica-

OF 25 YEARS AGO

tions.

In the Alps, the spokesman added, the Italians had not yet attacked, but if they did they would meet with very effective resistance.

(From the "China Mail" files).

June 13, 1915.

A message from Paris states:-

at

captured the railway station Souchez. A desperate battle continues

Authoritative quarters state that there would ap-"After an incessant night attack we

pear to be no slackening of the German attacks and the situation remains critical. Everything depends on the ability of the French to hold off superior forces.

The Radio last night gave the official communique as follows:

"The battle continues with the same violence on the whole front. Between the sea and the Oise, the enemy accentuated his efforts on the Seine from Rouen to Vernon in or- der to extend the bridgeheads which he succeeded in establishing south of the river.

The British authorities are con- fident that the Germans cannot con- tinue that attack much longer. They are nearing the end of their physical capacity and will have to give up the attack in three or four days at the most.

In conclusion, he said that the French forces were also submitted to extreme strain but the suffering and strain imposed on defending troops

He is seeking to push towards Evreux and Pacy-sur-Eure, but is

was always much less than those of being vigorously held by our troops. the attackers-Havas.

Elsewhere, he launched recon-e naissance detachments on the north The Nazi Communique

་

bank of the Seine in the direction - of Caudebec.

The Lower Oise, he made con- tact with our troops in the region of Persan and Beaumont.

Between the Oise, and the Ourcq, his advance guards started violent attacks in the region of Crepy Valdis and Betz.

en

On the Marne, in the region of Chateau Thierry, enemy masses com- ing from the north succeeded in tak- ing certain elements to the south bank.

Rheims Battle

In the Rheims region, the enemy have thrown into the battle new tank and motorised units. An entire me- chanised corps, comprising three four armoured divisions and two of three motorised divisions, has entered into the struggle.

or

After a bitter struggle, our divi- slons were withdrawn step by step In good order to Montagne de Rhelms.

To the North-East of Rheims, in- formation gathered from enemy pri- soners shows that the enemy sustain- ed very heavy losses from the coun- ter-attacks of our mechanised - units and the continued bombardments of our air force. Some of our squadrons went five times into battle during the day,

Between the Aisne and the Meuse,. the enemy did not renew his attacks.

-Reuter.

Colossal Losses (SPECIAL TO "CHINA MAIL") London, To-day. "The German are suffering colossal losses in men and equipment in the gigantic battle in France which is entering the ninth day," a military spokesman declared.

He added that the spirit and bravery of the French was beyond all Imagination. Fighting in France resembles the Vordum Battle In obstinanoy but la being fought.on much wider front.

Berlin, To-day.

A High Command communique states that new operations which be- gan on Wednesday between the Chan- nel and south of Laon had been com- pletely successful.

at the southern part of The Laby-

rinth."

The Italians are now firmly esta- blished at Gradisca. -

The Russian offensive is developing

EGYPT JOINS THE WAR

Cairo, To-day, The Chamber of Deputies has ́approved of the declaration by the Prime Minister, severing di- plomatic relations with Italy - Reuter.

TURKEY'S DECISION:

NO DOUBTS

Ankara, To-day.

There did not appear last successfully at Shavli. A feature of night to be the slightest the recent fighting has been some brilliant charges by the Cossacks. doubt regarding the decision

The ex-German light cruiser Breslau of Turkey. was engaged by two Russian des- troyers and severely damaged,

ITALIAN. STEAMER

CAPTURED

Durban, To-dry. The crew of the Italian steamer "Timava" which was beached"yester- day were captured. They were try- ing to make for the Portuguese bor- der.-Reuter.

the north-west of Paris and in front of the defence positions of Paris on After the Weygand zone, south of both sides of Senlis. the Somme, had

Compiegne been captured the enemy forces were broken through at many points and the rest thrown back over the lower Seine.

Rouen had been in German hands for several days. The Seine below Paris has been crossed at many points. The communique claims that the German divisions are in a position to

and

Villiers-Cotterets

are in German possession.

East of the Ourcq, the Marne was reached with strong forces. Rheims has been captured.

The Suippers in Champagne has been crossed.

The Air Force again attacked Le Havre Harbour-Reuter.

|

The only question which appears to be at issue is the exact moment and the exact method.

As one unofficial but well-.nform- ed spokesman told Reuter's special correspondent, "Turkey's obligations. under the Treaty appear clear and Turkey honours her obligations.".

Outwardly Ankara is still a peace- ful and sunny mountain township, but throughout the day there has bben a constant flow of consulta- flons in Government quarters and great activity at all the Embassies of Western Powers..

"The wall of air raid sirens was heard for the first time in the city during the afternoon, when the sirens. were tested.

Some citizens have already pre- black- pared their windows for a out, although none has yet ordered.

been

A full meeting of Parliament was held during the afternoon.-Reuter.

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