The Guardian from London, Greater London, England • 6

3 From our Special Correspondent EIGHTH ARMY MAKE PROGRESS EAST OF FLORENCE More Shells on Southern Suburb ALLIED H.Q., ITALY, AUGUST 7. The, battle for Florence has- -not extended in any strength beyond the south bank of the So far only, patrols of the Eighth Army have crossed river, and these have returned after carrying out reconnaissance. Apart from small parties with machine-guns on the north bank, there re is little enemy activity, in the be no need for Florence become a city, and it is stated to day there will battlefield. Enemy shelling. of the sector south of the that is in our hands continues, but' our own guns are not shelling any part of the city.

Machine-gun fire exchanges across the river are frequent. Eighth Army troops are now firmly established along the south bank of the Arno from Montelupo in the west to a point three miles east of Florence with the exception of small pockets of enemy resistance north-west of Montelupo. in which town our patrols are active. In the Arno south-west of Pontassieve the Germans are resisting on a ridge of high ground that runs north and south. INCREASED 'RESISTANCE The advance of our armoured cars, tanks, and infantry has reached a general line from a point three miles east of Pontassieve, in the Arno Valley, to a point some five smiles south-west of Pontassieve.

the ArezzoFlorence road British forward troops reached a little beyond Regello, fifteen miles, east of and there met heavy shell fire: Farther east and north of Arezzo enemy resistance has increased. In" the Tiber' Valley sector patrols found San Sepolcro clear of the enemy. In the Polish sector contact was made with -the enemy-on a -twenty-mile front after his withdrawal to high ground ahead the Cesano River, five 'miles north of the' Misa. Between Cassino and Florence 50,000 prisoners have been captured by. the Allies.

The Manchester Guardian' Service OFFICIAL REPORTS. Following are yesterday's official reports on the operations Italy: ALLIED entablished on the south bank of the River Arno except Troops of the Richth Army are now Armis for pockets of enemy resistance south ofand west of Empou. South African troops are In contact with the enemy on the north bank of the Arno and in the city of Florence. On the remainder of the front- there is no chance in the situation. attacked rail Strong communications of.

hears and bombers sesterday oil storage facilities to the Rhine Valley, and. submarine pens at Toulon, Aghter aircraft attacked two airdelds alone, the Lower- the Ploestl Others carried out offensive sweeps over and Bucharest areas. aircraft attacked' military objectives in Northern Italy, the battle area. and. vis, as well the ustem of Bouthern In these operations one enemy was destroyed and twelve of ours are The den approximately 2,100 sorties.

GERMAN, H.Q.: In' Italy the enemy. made several unsuccessful attempts crass the Arno In the Florence ares. Minor enemy forces which had succeeded to crossing the river near the cart of the town were During mopping-a0 operations to Italy from August to, August terrorists and saboteurs were killed In German mines reepers sank two enemy motor sailing vessels and damaged one British M.T.B. off the Dalmatian est. Berceto Bologna MILES Pontremoli Roads Forli Railways Castel Rocca- Rimini Carrara di-Carf! a PS- Casciano Spezia Massa Pistoia Borgo-S: Lorenza Mercato Dicomano Florences Scape Semgallia: Pratoo ARNO Pontedera Leghorn ANOTHER SUCCESS OFF BRITTANY Enemy Ships Hit Each Other being informed as soon as possible.

THE DESTROYED CONVOY During an offensive sweep off the Brittany coast to the north of St. Malo early on Sunday, light coastal forces of the Royal Navy. under the command of Lieutenant Commander T. N. Cartwright, D.S.C., R.N.V.R..

encountered an enemy patrol of five heavily armed escort vessels, an Admiralty stated yesterday. In the early stages of the action numerous hits were scored on all the enemy craft, which at one period were observed to be engaging each other briskly. Later a torpedo hit was obtained on an armed trawler, which blew up and sank. H.M, ships continued to engage the enemy with all guns at very close range. A second vessel was hit repeatedly and left burning fiercely.

Subsequently a loud explosion was heard and it is probable that this vessel also blew up. All H.M, ships returned safely to harbour, having suffered a small number of casualties. The next of kin are Our. force suffered no casualties. ATTACK.

Late on Sunday, evening rocket and The announcement of this action comes after that giving news of the I sweeping success by a patrolling British squadron, 'also early on Sunday, when the first big attempt by German surface forces to escape from cut-off Brittany ended in the annihilation of an entire convoy of seven ships. A second enemy convoy was chased back into port. It convoys is may believed have that been the two attempting menemy withdraw specialist personnel from St. Nazaire. The full story of the engagements was told at a British port when the cruiser Bellona, the British destroyers Tartar and Ashanti, and the Canadian destroyers Haida and Iroquois returned undamaged from the fray.

There were only three casualties, all in one of the Canadian destroyers. The only visible evidence of the two actions, which minutes, was the blistered paintwork on the ships' guns. It was just a matter of scientific destruction by. gunfire" was how one officer described the sinking of the seven enemy ships. The Bellona and the four Tribal destroyers had been closely watching the German base of St.

Nazaire throughout the- lightning advance of the 'Allied armies, and, when contact was made with the enemy ships they steamed at full speed inshore to cut off their retreat and immediately opened fire. ENEMY SURPRISED Captain -C. F. W. Norris, of near Canterbury.

commander of the cruiser, said: took We its target. surprised Each, the enemy. Each ship question the knew its job without It until work operation with was completed. was a joy to such a team and the shooting was splendid. Another officer said: "The action was sheer.

annihilation. We just gave the Nazis hell." About an hour later the second convoy of ships- was seen hugging the We undoubtedly damaged it," said- Captain Norris, but we. were unable to' pursue the engagement as the enemy were able to slip into St. Nazaire." When the victorious ships reached port they received a signal -from the Well done! Keep it up!" and in the wardrooms of the four destroyers was displayed with pride Captain Norris's- signal, Well done, destroyers." The two actions were the first for the majority of the cruiser's company. Light coastal forces under- the command of Lieutenant P.

Magnus, intercepted a force of enemy R-boats off port of Le Havre early on- Sunday morning, it was learned at yesterday The enemy, who were in line ahead. were brought to action close inshore. The last R-boat in the line was severely damaged, and hits were observed on another before, the enemy made good his escape. cannon-firing Beaufighters attacked an enemy minesweeper in the heavily defended: harbour- -of les Sables and left the vessel ablaze and sinking. -d'Olonne one the: French- west coast a a a a a THE MANCHESTER GUARDIAN, AUGUST 8, 1944.

CLEARING UP IN NORMANDY: A wrecked town in the British sector of the Normandy front. The same town after a new. road had been made by British soldiers. RUSSIAN FRONT Tired Germans East Prussian Approaches is of no use in the circumstances. EVents AI GAE -Libaud Memel! Kaunas EAS Lon Pinsk I Kielce, Katowice CRACON LOVA 150 A German forces military.

commentator, speaking from the East Prussian, border. said yesterday that the German at the approaches. to the were. faced by a "thirty. forty fold superiority." says Reuter.

1 The German soldiers- fighting. at the approaches to Eastern Prussia, after having been uninterruptedly in the front line for the past he said, "are possessed by a feeling of abysmal tiredness. They are all. aware of the reasons have, landed them this tricky situation. We have simply not enough men, and the greatest courage The knowledge of this Soviet superiority.is like a weight pressing on the minds of the German troops.

Lack of man-power, lack of; trained soldiersthat is why, we have retreated to East Prussia. The routine of the -soldier is to 'repel Soviet attacks in daytime, retreat to new positions at and then fight. again against the Soviet Our soldiers are so dead tired that glasses. they taking fall asleep important- holding their messages feldthe telephone. at their posts, and at their searchlight batteries speaker referred.

to the new weapons. including. revolutionary weapons taking shape in our, shipyards," but added: even then the German' fighting man. will be the main GERMAN REPORT Yesterday's, German said: of In the and East strong Soriet attacks on side forces porth-cast had of Barnnov. Were 'north Enemy which fought.

their. forward, were' up in counter-defence. of tanka threw the enemy back to the east. beary artillery Soviet attacks north-west of after hand preparation were handto North, of the Niemen the tinued frustrated their' them attempts and at a Our destroyed 78 enemy a There troops of bitter Denting Birdal in Latvia, the Intercepted Drins. and All two enemy Soviet break-thronch were regiments accounted for.

FINLAND TO FIGHT, ON? Soldiers, the fight for our existence and future continues. As Commanderin-Chief of the defence: forces appealto your: powers. of endurance and your unflinching Unfailing mutual confidence and, national unity are the. country's surest Reuter. Marshal Mannerheim, the new dent of Finland, yesterday: issued- an Order of the Day, in which he SILESIA: OIL PLANTS HIT ALLIED H.Q., ITALY, AuGust Up to -250: Italy- based heavy, bombers to-day two synthetic.

oil plants Blechhamer, 75; miles of Breslau and little than 100' miles west of the Red Army in the Cracow drive: Few encounters with enemy "were reported and, although flak was intense, good results Mere, reported, at. both targets. Liberators: over: Northern attacked with on installations at: Novi Sad, on the Danube, north-west of Belgrade, and the undefended. Alibunar airfield 21 miles north east of Belgrade The second all-fighter, shuttle mission to Russia was completed with the return yesterday of Lightnings and Mustangs to their Italian bases 'after rolling -stock railyards, 'tanks and aerodromes in Rumania on homeward leg of their a a a CHANNEL ISLANDS' FOUR YEARS UNDER THE GERMANS Nazi Efforts for "Collaboration" From David Woodward, "Manchester Guardian" War Correspondent NORMANDY. A detailed account of conditions in the Channel Islands since their capture by the Germans four, years ago has been given me by Mr.

Roland Barnett, of Wolverhampton, a member of the commission charged by the Germans with the making of arrangements for the feeding of the islands. Before the war Mr. Barnett was employed in the islands by the Great Western Railway and was, the only Englistiman to be appointed to the Food Mr. Barnett recalled that the islands were completely demilitarised after the fall of France by the British Government and that they fell at the end of June without a 'shot being fired to a few German transport 'planes: The islanders had depended for their food to a great extent on Britain; in addition, however. they had reserve stocks to.

last for: five years. These were completely bought up by the German forces within months and it was necessary to make arrangements with the authorities, in Occupied France for the sending of food to the islands. This was part of Mr. Barnett's duty and in the execution of it he found himself in the French port of Granville when was liberated by the American troops. Speaking of rations in the islands, Mr.

Barnett said that the meat ration was two ounces per week and that one pound of butter per head was allocated approximately every three weeks. The bread ration was four and- a half pounds per week. Wine was brought from France. Beer, however, was all requisitioned for the Germans. TEA AT 212 A POUND Home-grown tobacco was used, said Mr.

Barnett. "It tastes -awful. Vegetables grown in the islands were exchanged for grain grown in France. Sugar and tea were almost non-existent, tea fetching £12 per pound A on the black market. Ersatz tea, made of.

bramble leaves, and ersatz coffee brought from France were available." Summing up the effects of this diet on the population. Mr. Barnett said: No one has starved, but we have all lost weight." Clothes. he added, were very, scarce. ration in Guernsey was four ounces.

of skimmed milk per week and in Jersey two ounces of full-cream milk WEST FRONT The Official Reports Yesterday's. Allied H.Q. report said: In the Brittany Peninsula Allied troops continue to strengthen their positions in the vicinity of Brest. Our armour has freed Carhaix, Vannes, and Redon, and other units have reached the Vilaine River' at various points from Rennes to the sea. Chateau Gontier and Houssay have been cleared of the enemy.

The Mayenne: River has been crossed 17 miles south of Laval. Mayenne is in our hands. Allied armour is in the outskirts of Vire. The Foret de St. Sever is being cleared of light enemy resistance.

The strong point of St. Pois has been taken. Two enemy counter-attacks in that area were unsuccessful. To north-east the high ground at. Mont Pincon was captured yesterday by.

Allied troops after heavy fighting. Betwen this area and Vire enemy resistance was stubborn and a strong enemy counter-attack was repulsed. The advance continues. South of Caen a local attack east bank of the Orne met heavy enemy thee resistance in May-Sur-Orne. Railway bridges at Oissel, St.

Remy-SurAvre, Courtalin, and Beaumont-sur-Sarthe, and and fuel dumps in the forests of Blois Andaine, and and at Livarot were attacked -by escorted medium and light bombers. Other formations attacked Panzer division concentrations near Harcourt. Submarine pens near Lorient were attacked by' escorted heavy night bombers. Fighterbombers hit an ammunition train at Bellville, south of Nantes, and the tanks near Saumur, and attacked gun positions, rolling stock, and vehicles throughout the day. Rail lines were cut near Chartres, Tours, Le Mans, 'St.

Cyr, and Orleans. Four enemy aircraft were destroyed. Eight of ours are missing. GERMAN REPORT. Yesterday's German report'said: In Normandy the enemy launched numerous local attacks on a broad front west of the Orne in order to engage our forces.

After tough fighting these attacks were warded, off. The enemy then went over attacks west and south west of Vire and 'east of Avranches, flinging about nine divisions, with strong air support into the offensive. These attacks steadily in intensity as the day advanced. After fighting the enemy, suffering considerable losses, succeeded in penetrating into our. positions.

Later the breaches were sealed and counter-thrusts undertaken immediately are now making good headway. The Gergarrisons of Mayenne and Laval are fighting against the enemy. motorised for-1 mations. There is also fierce fighting south-east of St. Malo and within the area of the fortress itself.

All enemy attacks. in this sector were foiled: Our strongholds are, still offering determined resistance to the enemy- in Brittany: Torpedo- aircraft sank three enemy destroyers in the Seine estuary and heavily damaged two -light one destroyer, and one troop transport of 4,000 tons. Two hundred sixty -terrorists were cut down in fighting in France. Heavy V. 1 retaliatory- fire is still being directed against London, DECONCENTRATING COTTON TRADE In a written House of Commons reply to.

Mr. Harold Sutcliffe who: asked the President of the Board of Trade it he was in a position to make a statement as to when it would be possible to take some steps towards the deconcentration of the cotton industry, Captain Waterhouse (Parliamentary Secretary) on stated, future No, course. this. must the of: war." TURKISH: BLACK-OUT A Times and "Manchester Guardian special correspondent's message from Ankara yesterday stated that general black-out- all over Turkey would be put into effect as from' last A co-ordinating bureau- has been set up at Bloomsbury House, Bloomsbury Street. London, W.C..1.

handle inquiries reaching the United Kingdom from German, Austrian, and. Stateless persons from Central- Europe. The bureau will also record any inquiries which those living in this country, may wish to make, when circumstances permit. for -their relations: or. friends abroad.

1) STOP PRESS NEWS partisan forces, have crossed', the Yugoslav Greek border and captured Edesa, an industrial. town of 20,000 inhabitants, says this morning's. com munique from Tito's Headquarters Units of. Marshal: Tito's Army in Macedonia, working with Greek 1 13 BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, AND DEATHS. 6d.

per. two Unend All such' announcements must by the name and address of the and in the case of by the' denature of bath parties. Postage atamps or postal orders may be sent in payment. BIRTHS CHILDS August at Gatley Nursing Home, to ELIZABETH. ut 'GEOFFREY DRAYTON CHILDS, a son.

(Both well.) On Aurus-6, Crumpsall Hospital (orirate), to. IRENE Boothman) and. GILBERT KING (BLA Prance), son. (Both well.) 31, Rathbourne Avenue, Higher Aunist 7. Lorna Lodge, Didsbury, JEAN (a60' rite of Major ALAN B.

MACIL DOWIE, a daughter. At Bombay, to VERA, wife of Captain W. POPPLE, DON Op Aurust at Greenbank Maternity Home, Dartinston, to HAZEL Clarke, formerlyof Boltop) and NOEL R. SMITH, twins, (son and -Fairfield, Staindrop Darlington. MARRIAGES GRAHAM- On.

Aurust at Trinity Wesleyan Chapel; Denton Manchester, by the Rev. W. Docker WILLIAM 'GRAHAM (B.Sc. only ot Mr. and -W.

Graham, Cemetery. Road, Denton, to OLIVEN, elder daughter of the late Mr. H. B. JONES and of Mra.

K. Jones. House, Stockport Road. Manchester. HILTON On July 12, at Ahwaz, Persia.

by the Rev. Pickering, Captain TOM WOODS (Indian Army), only son 'of Mr. and Mra. G. HILTON, Negrelos, Portugal, to KATHLEEN daughter of Mr.

and Mrs. G. PALLY, of Calcutta, India 1. On Aurast 5. 1944, at St.

Margaret's Church, Altrincham, Lieutenant O. P. MARLAND, R.O.A.F., eldest con of Mr. Harry Marland, J.P.. and Mira.

Marland, of Rusthall House, near Tunbridre Wells, and Broomholm, Lancholm, Dumiriesshire, to: MARY PAMELA WILSON, oniy dauchter of Mr. and Mrs. W. 'B. Wilson, of Monday.

1 August 7. by. the Rev. J. Prestrich at Unitarian Church, Rockdale, the Rev.

BENNETH SHERRATT, son of Mrs. H. Robinson: of chester and Mottram, and tha late to DOROTHY WOLSTENHOLME, daughter, of Mr. and Mrs. James William Wolstenholme, of Rochdaln.

STONE- da 5. Perish Church; RICHARD VERNON STONE, B.Chir., only son of Major and Mrs. -W. M. Stone, of to.

LORNA sounter daughter 'of Major; and Mraci Rider, of Weymouth. WEDDING. LANGDON- On August 8, 1894, Holland Park, London, barrister of Manchester, to H. LEWIS, dauchter of Fred Lewis, At present at Edge, Budleigh Devon. DEATHS EWLEY.

On Aurust 5. at the home of her brother, Crests, Avenue. Hale, MABEL, second deuchter of the late Mr. and George BOW of Wallssey, and much loved of Bertha Marion. On Aurust 5.

per' home, Murieston Rood: Hale. ANNIE BODDINGTON, dearly loved af the Tate. Charles BROADY. Service Manchester Crematorium Wednesday, August at twelve Interment of ashes at Stretford Cemetery st p.m, No Mowers. August 6, 1944; at Whittaker Lane, JANE.

GERTRUDE, beloved wife, of Samuel Peacetalls sleeping. Com mittal at the. Manchester Crematorium on Wednesday, August Tel. 9, at PRE. 2 30 2411.

p.m. Inquiries Ha: Prestwich, FLORA GURNELL, 6, 17. beloved Gardner wife of Road, John PALSHAW. Committal at the Manchester torium at. elesen preceded by service at home, on A No DO Inquiries.

W. PRE. HALL August 6, 1944, the bu daughter, Birchdelds Road, beloved Aldermen GEORGE71 years, the hubend of the late' Hell, Cedric. and -father. of Sybil Raymond, and Service the Manchester Crematorium .00 9.

at 60 No morning, by request. Flowers to BirchMelds Road. R08. Further 4548. Inquiries Ryder Son 'Phone August MARY the dearly loved wife of the late John ALTON, of Cheadto-Road, Interment: at Mellor Parish Church on Thursday, Phone August 10.

at 2 30 p.m. HOLMES On -August S. ALFRED of The Nook, Marple, dearly loved ausband of Alica B. and dear father Service of at All and Mrs. Fred Church.

Marple, this day (Tuesday) 130 Friends. to please: A. accept this (the on Vernon and 79. Atrust 15, in hospital, ALBERT: EASTON, the dearly, loved husband of in 55rd year. "Service committal- at Dob Lane Chapel 2 prior to at the Manchester Crematoriam on Street.

Thursday, August: 10, 3 62, Newton Hesth. Inquiries to Fodte, Failsworth Society. Tel.East+ August 6, 1944, 30, Ashwood Arente, West the wile of E. MASON and committal at the 10 Manchester Orems torium Wednesday, August 9, 30. No Dowers, by request.

Inquiries Bros. DID. 3960. Road, Old Tradord, Manchester 16 DAVID On August at 23. Aubara the dear husband of Dorothy' MORGAN.

Service at home on Wednesday prior to Interment Stretford Inculries. Darrell and Withinston. Tel. DID. 3951.

On. August at Old Batch Manor, the Ratalip, dearly loved husband of 177 sears, Loulo HORRIS. On Jaly 27. at MATILDA. widow of and batored mother of Robert Frank Aster of Bessie Smith.

taterred Cemetery on July 29. of 29, Coral Road, Cheadle and dear SHEFFIELD-00 beloved wife of August 6, Thomas ALBERTA the committal the Manchester Crematorium Lloyd. Cheadle Anime Pas Ben busband On August of 6, Elizabeth the beloved In 82nd 89. service Street, Bury Bury, Parish Church interment at at 2.30 p.m. SUODEN On Aprust at HARRY SUGD Compeny), dearly loved husband of the formerly Grove, at.

the Manchester Crematorium August at 2 30 p.m No mourning DO' by request. SWIFT On August Belens Road, of JAMES 1 -SWIFT director (P.M. Lodes A LOTEO husband the late Mary Service Church9. to prior to intern Cemetery, Inquiries 77 78 John Monks 4. Phons and WIONALL August.

S. 1944. of loved wits of WIGNAL, fand Road. ServiceChurch this day (Tuesday)" at Interment at Cemetery Inquiries Frank Pearce: 2521 FRANK sod for Family destre: think relatives and friends Lind Goral tribates receired ther 92. A bereavement Road, Worley.

MEMORIAM KIRKWOODE of CH WOOD, who on 8, LEANT. ship end In derotion, over thanks of seats my for her BANDYS killed in In 6. -1945 to Anna NICHOLSON. memories MARIORIE Father and Mother. TAYLOR- 'ever-affectionate NORMAN TAYLOR.

devoted hm Amy. Harold, Part. 32. Drive, Sedaley a TILTON'S, for Memorials, Cem: Cha. 3455.

TAMES BROOME, Funeral: Director. 48. DOWNING ST. 15 Tel. Also.

at. Longsight, Bran Printed sod Published by JOHNfor the MANCHESTER GUARDIAN EVENING LID. at she Goardian Manchester Tuesday, 3 The Germans had -Hooded the' islands with money at the rate of eighty marks to fifty shillings. The black. market price for the pound was 750 francs.

The Jersey Post' and Guernsey Press and the. evening newspapers, continued to appear, however. to two. pages and heavily censored. They were also compelled to print verbatim: the utterances of Lord Haw-Haw.

Mr. Barnett said there was sign of any political. collaboration between the islanders and the Germans, though there was. some commercial collaboration." which, however, Mr. Barnett did not believe was to the detriment of the islands.

GARRISON OF 5,000 The Germans apparently never thought it worth while to make a bid for the of any part of the islands' population, so discouraging was the people's attitude right from the start. In any event there were. none" of the societies for friendship. with Germany which the Nazis set up for' collaborators in other occupied territories. The German garrison in Jersey numbered 5,000.

The inhabitants of Alderney had been evacuated and the. island, made into penal colony. In 1940 the German troops had been first-class material, preparing for the invasion of Britain. In addition, large numbers of German troops had been brought to the islands on propaganda tours to show them British soil under German occupation, but later on good-quality troops were withdrawn, and they were now usually over 50 or under 19. German headquarters were in- St: Helier.

There were numbers of Todt Organisation workers in the islands, some of them Chinese, but- the majority Russians. Mr. Barnett said that there had been marriages between Todt workers and the island girls, but that no girl had married a German. There were some fighters based on the islands and E-boats as well, Mr. Barnett said, adding that very heavy guns had been mounted.

their positions being connected. to. their magazines by underground railways. No harm had accordingly been done by British bombing. Fishing-boats could go out only three miles and then only in daylight and watched by.

German E-boats. Nevertheless some' of the boats had got away. Summing up. Mr. Barnett said that on the whole the Germans had behayed well, though very strictly, in comparison with reports of their behaviour from other.

parts of Europe. OIL CONFERENCE Report of Agreement WASHINGION, AUGUST 7. Anglo-American oil conference was to-day authoritatively reported to have, reached agreement on the setting up of a joint petroleum for establishing set of rules of practices. in the international oil trade, and for providing for co-operation and consultation. between Britain and the United' States along the lines of certain broad principles decided upon.

The formal signature of the agreement is. expected this week, The terms of the agreement have yet been officially released, but it is understood that Britain and the United States have agreed in an' endeavour to' ensure1. That oil will be available. in world trade in an adequate volume at fair prices and without discrimination. That the development of oil shall encourage the sound and economic advancement of the producing countries.

3. development. shall be planned with a view to assuring that oil will be available. to the United States and the' United Kingdom in times of emergency, and to all peace-loving countries in accordance with whatever security arrangements are' inaugurated. 4.

That oil areas not now under concession -will be subject to the open door principle. 5. That the present valid concessions will be respected: 6. That production, refining, transport, and distribution of petroleum shall not be hampered by unilateral imposed by either Government inconsistent with the broad purposes. of the memorandum.SHORT-TERM The agreement is for an interim period of- some while the industry is converted from a war to a peace basis.

It is proposed later to bring all countries interested in dil. into a multilateral agreement, Consideration of the needs of oil-consuming countries is emphasised. and there is also a provision whereby both Britain and the United States respect each other's concessions in third countries. It is understood. that" plans, for production and distribution' of the world's petroleum will be designed to fit plans for an international security organisation to be discussed by "representatives of Britain, the United States, and Russia in Washington at the end of this month.

The agreement is expected to recognise the possibility that Britain might at. some time have to acquire dollars from the sale of oil.in the Middle -Reuter's Special Correspondent. FLYING BOMBS Pilot: Shoots: Three Into the Channel After a quieter night more flying. bombs were directed against. Southern England, including the London area, yesterday, and again a.

number were destroyed A.A. batteries and fighter aircraft over the sea 'and near the coast. Three were intercepted and shot into the Channel by a Polish pilot. A hospital in an isolated area- which had been used as a mortuary was wrecked but there were no fatal casualties. second bomb fell near another hospital, but only -slight injuries: were.

suffered by two members the staff, and no I patient was hurt. Elsewhere a number of Houses were destroyed and casualties are believed to have been fairly Twin sisters of pine years were killed by a direct hit on an Anderson shelter. 900. BACK FROM US. AND CANADA About 900 evacuees from the United States.

and Canada. arrived in a Northwest port yesterday, Most of them were. children. One contingent was, for Scot: Those for- the South and other parts of the country- will leave, to day. PLANNING -WAR CEMETERIES The Imperial War Graves Commission baye appointed Mr.

Louts de Soissons as their architect for Italy, and he is now visiting the rarea to advise on the planning and construction of cemeteries in liberated territory. de Soissons, who is a Canadian, is the designer of Welwyn Garden City. A PATRIOTS International Law Question From a Polish Correspondent AITAPE'S SUPPLY LINE CUT Japanese Outflanked From our Special Correspondent IN AUSTRALIA, AUGUST 7. An American column has cut the main supply route which runs through the foothills near the coast 'to the Japanese Aitape, British New Guinea, and farther west in Dutch: New Guinea" the Japanese are in' a state bordering on demoralisation. Japanese casualties in the Aitape area during last month are estimated at 12,000, of which the Americans buried over 5,930 dead.

Dead and wounded within the Japanese lines are estimated at 6,000. These losses do not include enemy casualties on the lines of communication, where 20,000 men are constantly subjected to air and naval bombardment. NEW GUINEA XEI (DE.) Start.) MILES The American force which cut the enemy's-supply line. to Aitape east of the. Driniumor River, near the coast, to a creek two miles distant, then turned south: and struck.

behind. the Japanese forward lines to trail four miles A- Arm. road block had been established across the trail on Saturday. In two days'-fighting over 520 Japanese dead were counted. In Dutch New Guinea rear areas are.

in a state of confusion and dislocation, according to reports. from. aerial observers, which. are substantiated by statements from prisoners of war and natives. Japanese expected a frontal attack: at Manokwari.

on the west side of Geelvink Bay, where they had 15,000: troops, but since the Americans. by-passed the town and cut its communications by landing at Sansapor. farther to the west. they have been thrown back on the jungie in -an effort to extricate themselves. The operation lat Sansapor, -which General MacArthur says can now be regarded as completed, was accomplished with very- small forces and with only a handful of casualties.

In the hove of an evacuation the Japanese Care attempting to reach the south and west coasts of New Guinea from Manokwari. Nabire (at the head of Geelvink Bay). other bases. 'The Times' Manchester Guardian' Service END OF PHILADELPHIA STRIKE Four Leaders Dismissed PHILADELPHIA, AUGUST 7. Four leaders of the Philadelphia transport strike, who were released on bail on charges of violating the Smith-Connally Strike Act, have been dismissed from their employment.

'The Act provides for imprisonment and fines for strikes against industries operated by the Government. The strike, which lasted for a week. began when transport. workers objected to the training of -as. tram drivers.

The President intervened and ordered the Army to take- over the operation of the city's transport. a After some further delay the 6,000 strikers decided to return to work. Yesterday an army spokesman reported that the service had returned to normal. Soldiers were. guarding every vehicle but were not' being used as operators.

The Negroes. have been ciated' called Pressume their training. Asso- HARD FIGHTING IN BURMA KANDY (CEYLON), SAUGUST 1 7. After bitter fighting Allied. troops captured an.

important hill -about, twelve miles south west of Mogaung, in North Burma. and occupied two villages in the same area, it was reported in to day's from Admiral Mountbatten's Headquarters. Extensive mopping up in the Kabaw Valley is following the capture of Tamu: near the frontier. Troops who have fanned out from the village taking more prisoners and are finding many dead. Operations are now in progress to reduce strong bunkers, covering the Tiddim road.

50 miles south of Imphal. LONDON, MONDAY. The Polish Government is in negotiation with the 'Allies and with, Allied military, command in an' endeavour to clarify the position of the Polish forces now resisting the Germans in Warsaw. These forces are a part of the Polish armies of September, 1939, leading Poles stated to-day, but the Germans have declared that they will treat them as revolutionaries and are already murdering any they are able to take 'as prisoners. The Polish- Government is anxious' to induce the Allies to.

declare them as and as part, of the Polish. Army and thus gain for them, it possible, the protection. of international law. In the meantime Germans are continuing to bomb. the positions held by these forces.

A report from Warsaw to-day. states that the Germans are not allowing the fire brigade to extinguish fires caused by the bombing. The Poles have been able to regain the Wilson Square in the Zoliborz area and have also made some progress in another district. but the shortage of ammunition is a great hindrance. THE MOSCOW' TALKS The talks in -between the Polish Premier, Mr.

Mikolajczyk, and his colleagues and the members of the Polish Liberation Committee are reported to have continued all day to-day. According to a report to here the discussions went on in an amicable atmosphere, but difficulties are numerous. The hope of a compromise is still in sight, but it is not whether it will be reached in the course of these meetings. In view of the proposals made by the Committee of National Moscow Liberation with the authority of behind them, it may be necessary for Mr. Mikolajczyk to return here to further advice and powers from his Government in London.

The Polish Cabinet is. meeting to-morrow to discuss the situation in Warsaw and the result so far. of the' negotiations in Moscow. BRITAIN TO RUSSIA U.S. Bombers' ShuttleRaid Quoting a issued last night by the United States Air Force Eastern Command, -a Reuter message from -Moscow, states that: heavy bombers of" the American Eighth Force from England have attacked a 'German aircraft plant at Rahmel, ten miles north- west of on the western side of the Gulf.

of Danzig, and landed 'safely at' American bases in the Soviet The The bombers were escorted- throughout by Mustangs. also from Eighth Air Crews reported that the target was well covered by bomb bursts. No 'American aircraft was, lost. To day's. attack.

was the, twentieth operation 'in which Eastern: Command bases, all in have figured since the first American' planes, landed in the Soviet Union on June 1 ULSTER M.P: FINED £10,000 Contracts Charge After. a hearing lasting eleven days at Belfast Stewart, M.P. for South Belfast and -governing director of the firm of Stewart and Partners, and J. M. Reilly, a director, were last night found guilty of haying conspired to cheat and defraud the Secretary for sums of money represented by discounts or.

rebates: on certain contracts. Stewart was fined. £10,000 and Reilly, who: was recommended to his arose from misguided. devotion to -his governing director, £500. Miss: Jane with was found not guilty and Greenham, 4 ax clerk, who: wash charged discharged.

FOUR POWER SECURITY-. POSTPONED WASHINGTON, AUGUST 7. Mr. Edward Stettinius, United States Acting Secretary of State," to day announced that the opening of the FourPower Conference in Washington on the post war security, organisation: has been postponed from August-14 to August: 21 in order to allow Russian Government morel time for. Reuter.

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