07 Apr 1941
Page 1
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Newspaper
Canberra Times
Location
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Date
Apr 07, 1941
Page
1
From Bern reports German radio broadcasts announce invasions of Greece and Yugoslavia as Italy joins the attack. British troop estimates appear in flux with Goebbels framing the campaign as peacekeeping. RAF activity and Yugoslav air bases are noted amid rapid German advances.
London reports that advanced units of empire forces have reached Addis Ababa the capital of Abyssinia. The claim aligns with a Rome communique that Italian troops in East Africa have concentrated in a pre arranged zone.
Washington Sunday remarks by the Minister for War Mr Simpson during Army Day celebration mark the anniversary of U S entry into World War I. He states the eyes of nations seeking freedom rest on the United States and that their hopes rise with America's strength as soldiers are saluted as bearers of global hope.
As zero hour nears Yugoslavia closes borders except with Greece and recalls ships to port. Belgrade becomes a war city with hospitals planned in schools and hotels. Air raids, anti aircraft mounts, and radio reports of maltreatment circulate amid tension.
The Berlin newsagency says German planes raided Belgrade and destroyed barracks and aerodromes in Yugoslavia. It reports Belgrade attacks were particularly successful with ten enemy aircraft shot down. The Belgrade radio did not resume transmission after the air raid. It notes German claims of bombing the fortress and other military targets while Belgrade had been declared an open town. Italian planes reportedly bombed targets in southern Yugoslavia.
Greek General Headquarters reported unprovoked German attacks from Bulgaria on the Greek border since 10 a.m. Greek forces defended their homeland as fighting began at Thrace and East Macedonia. A German communique cited British forces in Greece as justification for a counter offensive.
In Sofia open consultations proceed on a presentation of Bulgarian and Hungarian provisional demands to Yugoslavia. Italian forces announce mining a bridge near Fiume. Bele agenent bourhood of the Hungarian have bran.
Reuters reports a long German note to Greece accusing England and France of forcing war on Germany and urging Greece to stay neutral. The note claims Britain aimed to eliminate Britain from Europe and links Greece to Germany’s enemies, with Hitler urging steadfast defense and unity.
Athens reports Greek forces seized a 6000 foot high position on the North Albanian front, Italians retreating after encirclement threats with 70 prisoners taken. Rome says northern front activity exists and Crete air raids damaged several buildings with one Italian plane missing.
Moscow radio reports a treaty pledges mutual respect for independence sovereignty and territorial integrity and promises strict friendship if one is attacked. The accord runs five years with a possible second five year term. ratification in Belgrade is to align Russian and Yugoslav texts.
British and Allied reports say enemy columns advancing from Benghazi into Cyrenaica were halted. R A F pilots claim downed Messerschmitt 110s and Junkers 88s with few Australian casualties. Italian German units claimed to push on Benghazi as Berlin announced occupation of the city.
Fragmented report mentions Cyrenaica, Mtailana, and Italian action in Africa. References to Hallens and Hawes Serge hint at defensive actions and damage to roads and bridges. The overall meaning is obscured by garbled text and inconsistent names.
Fragmentary report describes Italy and Germany advancing in Cyrenaica and posing threats to Allied positions as forces in North Africa contend for control.
Cairo cites 6000 prisoners captured at Aamara with 4000 Italians among them. British and South African air support aids operations in East Africa as bombings hit Addis Ababa area and Diredawa. Asmara reports Ras Megum offering to help the British. food dumps ease feeding 80,000 civilians. Australian squadron credited with heavy Luftwaffe damage in six weeks.
The Air Ministry reports RAF observers watched five Italian destroyers leave Massawa after taking refuge there. Bombers hit a destroyer, which exploded and sank as crews abandoned ship. One destroyer ran aground south of Jadda. crews fled in boats. A bomber force made a forced landing, another bomber tried and failed to take off after aiding the grounded one.
Cairo report by Ian Fitchett notes the R A A F achieved a record triumph with Fighter planes shooting down enemy 88s and ME110s. Despite heavy German opposition with faster bombers and better armament the Australian airmen prevailed in the battle.
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