The Evening News from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania • Page 21

PAUE 1 WEIN 1 T-UINE THE EVENING NEWS, HARRISBURG, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1942, III 4 200 Persons Attend Christmas Party OBITUARY Rangers Attack contributed to the slow progress at Buna. Typical of the possibilities open to the Japanese along the coast was the discovery Monday by Lib 7i (tte llilr. 4 Here are some of the 200 persons who attended the annual Christmas party for employes of Stroehmann Brothers Company end their families at the company's bakery, Seventh, and Curtin streets, Saturday nizht. Each employe received a cash gift and each child was given a gift. A luncheon and program of Christmas entertainment followed the presentation of gifts.

The program was in charge of A. Joseph Besch, local plant manager, assisted by Leonard Thompson, sales manager, and Arthur Kelly and William Richards, supervisors. Stock, pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Carlisle, officiating. Burial was to be in Westminister Cemetery, near Carlisle.

MRS. ADELAIDE KLINE Mrs. Adelaide Kline, 79, died this morning at her home, 114 Ever green street. Surviving are her husband, An drew Kline; two sons, James, Pottsville, and Russell Indianapolis; three grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Services will be held Saturday at 2 p.

at the Fackler funeral home, 1314 Derry street. Her pastor, the Rev. J. McK. Reiley, of Stevens Memorial Methodist Church, will officiate.

Burial will be in East Harrisburg Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home Friday from 7 to 9 p. m. GEORGE W. LOWERY George W.

Lowery, 46, died Sunday evening at his home, 157 Main street, Steelton. He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Albertha Lowery; these childven, George, Isiah, and Jean, all at home; a step-daughter, Mrs. Edith Turner, Steelton and his father, Isaiah Lowery, South Carolina. Funeral services will be held tomorrow aernoon at 2 o'clock at the residence, with the Rev.

De-Witt Burton, of the Church of God in Christ, officiating, assisted by the Rev. E. L. Green, pastor of the First Baptist Church. Burial will be in Charleston, S.

C. Friends may call at the residence tonight after 5 o'clock. MRS. WILLIAM D. LEWIS Mrs.

William D. Lewis, for many years a resident of Harrisburg, died yesterday at her home in Lans- downe. She was the wife of Dr. William D. Lewis, formerly a deputy superintendent in the State Department of Education.

Funeral services will be held Thursday. Bullet Wound Fatal To Sergeant's Cousin By United Prett PITTSBURGH, Dec. 22. Edward Williams, 32, of Pittsburgh, died in Allegheny General Hospital last night of a gunshot wound inflicted by his cousin, County Police Sergt John Boggs. According to police, Boggs fired at his wife in an argument at the Williams home and the bullet rich- ocheted through a wall and struck Williams in the abdomen.

Boggs was in jail. Boy Seized for Taking Volunteers' Gift Box A 14-year-old boy was seized by an employe of the Senate Drug Store, Third and North streets, yesterday as he was leaving with a Volunteers of America contribu tion box allegedly stolen from a counter. Police released the boy in custody of his parents. lines taoture ap Air Strip, Iftack Second By United Presi GEN. MacARTHUR'S HEAD-UARTERS, AUSTRALIA, Dec.

One of the two Japanese air rips on the beach southeast of una was in Allied hands today id the other was under attack onr both ends in some of the fighting of the campaign The main attack was at the mtheastern end of the strip, in le Cape Endaiadere section about vo miles from the Buna Mission, ith light tanks overrunning the lemy's bunker type strong points connected steel and concrete afenses. As this and another attack, from cross the Buna Creek, continued the main front, it developed lat Australians who captured the illage of Gona almost two weeks go were still finding Japanese jmnants and some of the- enemy roops who landed a week ago at ae Mambare Estuary, forty miles orthwest up the coast from Buna, rere still trying to organize for ction. Drive Near Mission In the Buna beach head fighting, illied infantry was pushing be-ween the two air strips behind a creen of tanks which had over-un the Japanese defense perimeter nd knocked out fifteen Japanese trongpoint3 near Sinemi Creek, ietween the old and new landing This force was reported to ie within 2400 yards of the Buna Jission. Americans attacking the mission roni the other side, on the north-vest, from the creek, were much learer the building but were up igainst deep entrenchments and trong mortar and machine gun )osts protected by log barricades Tiev had made no substantial irogress. Tanks Smash Defenses Analysis of Gen.

Douglas Mac- Arthur's communiques for the last several weeks showed that only vhen light American-built General Stuart tanks went into action last Friday did Australian and Ameri infantry find it possible to ad- ance speedily into the heart of the Buna beachhead. The Japanese lad withstood a virtual siege in swampbound jungle fortress area for more than a month. btudy of the 1 es showed also no mention of Allied naval forces operating in support jf the campaign. There were nine nentions of Japanese naval forces Maneuvering between New Guinea ind New Britain and several re ports of attempts at least two were successlul to land more iroops at widely separated points along the New Guinea coast Ibe Japanese landings were made despite substantial Allied air superiority. Occasionally Japanese convoys were sent in without fighter plane cover.

Planes Concentrated Observers felt that if the Allied forces were ever in position to copy the Japanese tactics, the odds would be in their favor, since they could count on the largest concentration of fighting planes ever as sembled in the Australia-New Guinea area to cover seaborne landings. Such landings would enable the Allies' assault troops to surround quickly and reduce isolated Japan ese pockets along the coast, just as use of the light tanks has speeded the breaking of the enemy stronghold on the beach below Buna. Without such seaborne landings, some observers saw a more tedious, costly overland campaign in prospect. The tanks enabled the Australian and American infantrymen and machine gunners to meet the Japanese on equal terms, in the jungle. MacArthur's infantry has had to advance along narrow trails and causeways, with strategically placed Japanese machine guns covering every possible approach and criss-crossing the open spaces.

These conditions, the fanatical Japanese resistance, the need of the Americans to gain experience under fire and the supply problem, The Stars Say-By GENEVIEVE KEMBLE For Wednesday, December 23 THE PLANETARY forecast is for opportunities for success and profit in important ventures and sound propositions, yet progress and lucrative reward must come, from practical tactics, based on sound judgment inaugurated and followed to logical issues by resourcefulness, originality, new Ideas, and conservative policies. Those whose birthday it is may look for certain good opportunities for progress and productiveness, possibly in new, bold or independent lines but such must be based on sound judgment, pursued with practical methods although fresh, bold and audacious ventures may be attacked. Wariness with conservative and secure conduct may be demanded to meet trickery, enmity, misrepresentation and many sorts of undercover and deceitful situations. A child born on this day while having many original ideas and progressive, talents, with much independence and spirit as well as ingenuity, yet may encounter enmity, fraud and duplicity. Axis Lines Near Base of Bizerte International Newt Service LONDON, Dec.

22. A combined force of American Rangers and British Commandos disorganized Axis supply lines in a daring raid only four miles from the Tunisian naval base of Bizerte while French forces, operating south of the main battle area, successfully countered enemy counter-attacks against newly-won positions, dispatches from North Africa said today. The most successful Commando-type raid of the war in Tunisia by a unit composed partly of Americans and partly of Britons, according to a dispatch to the Daily Telegraph, has just been completed. The Allied raiding party, striking to within four miles of Bizerte on the north east coast, remained ashore for three days to inflict heavy casualties on the Axis and disrupt important supply lines, it was said. A broadcast by the Morocco radio quoted a French communique as stating that French forces cooperating with the British and Americans scored new advances in the vicinity of Pont du Fahs and took numerous new prisoners.

The communique said that counter blows by Axis forces driven from Pichon, west of Kairouan, some sixty miles from the eastern coast, were successfully repulsed. 3 Axis Ships Bombed In the sea and air warfare to pre vent the Axis from reinforcing its positions in North Africa, British planes were reported to have attacked three strongly armed enemy ships northwest of the Libyan port of Tripoli, setting one afire and damaging the others. The American Rangers and British Commandos who went ashore near Bizerte, main objective along with Tunis, of Allies forces under command of British Kenneth A. N. Anderson, were said to have gained temporary control of more than 125 square miles of enemy territory.

Important road junctions were seized and held by only handf uls of men until the Germans brought up sufficient forces to dislodge them. Only small casualties were suffered by the Allies when a strong German column moved in. While the Allied raiding party was conducting its operations the Germans were denied the use of a main road from Bizerte to the Te-bourda front. All transport attempting to use the road was destroyed. The Axis was compelled to detach a substantial force to counter-attack the Allied move.

ASK CHANGE IN NAME Lewis Iskowitz, his wife, Mrs. Bernice M. Iskowitz, and their daughter, Sheila Rene Iskowitz, petitioned the Dauphin County court yesterday for permission to change their last name to Ibsen. Hearing in the matter will be held Feb ruary 23. PITFALLS Madge Prepares To Leave Fathers Errands, and at "YES, get your wraps, please," my father said, "but you'd better look first at the list I gave you, to be sure you understand it." It was written clearly, and in the unmistakable chirography of Georges, which I had not seen in years, as the fan letter and note Olina received were typed, and the letters on the painting were printed.

I stared incredulously at the list of things Georges wished me to buy. At the pharmacy the list included shaving necessities from razors to lotions, then other cosmetics cold creams, powders, even rouge. "Just a minute!" my father said, his eyes twinkling; "Georges isn't buying those things for a possible lady visitor. He expects Incoming Mail At Holiday Peak From Page One with late mail. Werner said that outgoing mail has reached its peak.

Outgoing mail, first class, including letters, is 19.79 per cent, over last year; fourth class, or parcel post, is up 39.64 per and second and third class, consisting of newspapers, maga zines, is down 11.12 per cent. First class incoming mail is up 3.70 per cent; fourth class is up 18.7 and second and third class is down 24.16 per cent, over 194 l's volume. Total receipts for the first twenty-one days of December are down 2.57 per cent from last year. Werner said the railroads are using any kind of cars available, including refrigerator cars, to haul the mail. Seek More Furnishings For Armory Club Room An appeal for additional rugs, lamps, tables and easy chairs for the Armory at Nineteenth end Caledonia streets has been issued by Mrs.

C. Russell Welsh, president of the American Legion Auxiliary, Unit 27. and chairman of the com mittee in charge of furnishing the Armory club room. Persons wishing to donate lurni- ture can call the Armory, phone 6-0843, or Mrs. Welsh at 3-6892.

120 Descendants Left by Retired Dillsburg Farmer Funeral services for Walter Cook 93, retired Dillsburg farmer, who received fatal injuries in a fall down stairs at his home last week, will be held at the Cocklin funeral home at Dillsburg on Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Further serv ices will be held later at Barrens Lutheran Church, of which Ir. Cook was a member. When Mr. Cook died in the Car lisle Hospital yesterday he left a total of 120 direct descendants, including nine children, twenty-eight grandchildren, sixty-one great- grandchildren and twenty-eight great-great-grandchildren.

JOSEPH E. HALL Joseph E. Hall, employe of the Middletown Air Depot, died Sunday at his home, 1109 Montgomery street. He was 46 years old. Sur viving are his widow, Mrs.

Elizabeth Hall, Harrisburg; his mother. Mrs. Florence Hall, Harrisburg and three brothers, Freeburn, Robert and Frank Hall, all of Harrisburg. Funeral services will be held at 2 p. m.

tomorrow at St. Paul's Baptist Church. The Rev. William B. Toland, pastor, will officiate.

Burial will be in Lincoln Cemetery. Friends may call between 6 and 9 o'clock tonight at the Curtis funeral home, 1000 North Sixth street. MRS. GERTRUDE T. GARRISON Mrs.

Gertrude Y. Garrison, 1005 Capital street, died at a hospital here Sunday morning. She was 51 years old. She is survived by four sons, Thomas, Seiptown; Norwood, Kemp, and Hubert all of Harrisburg, and one daughter, Marjorie, at home; five sisters, Mrs. George Frazer, Mrs.

Allen Batton, and Mrs. Albert Morris, all of Virginia; Mrs. Viola Aliens, Maryland, and Mrs. Stewart Morris, Virginia; five brothers, Elgie Via, Virginia; Thomas Vi3, Virginia; Junie Via, Annville; Rodger Via, Elizabeth-town; Harry Via, Harrisburg, and three grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 2 o'clock tomorrow afternoon at the Stump funeral home, Hummels-town.

The Rev. Irvin Curry, of Hershey, will officiate. Burial will be in Hummelstown Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home between 7 and 9 o'clock this evening. SARAH E.

POMEROY Sarah Elizabeth Pomeroy, five- months' -old daughter of Charles and Miriam Cares Pomeroy. of 1217 North Sixteenth street, died yesterday. She was a member of the cradle roll at Immanuel Presby terian Church. Surviving her, in addition to her parents are a sister, Johanna; two brothers, cnaries III, and Donald, all at home, and the grandmothers, Mrs. Warren M.

Heiser, Elizabethtown, and Mrs. Charles M. Pomeroy, Philadelphia. Funeral services were to be held this afternoon at 3 o'clock at the J. R.

Shulenberger funeral home, Carlisle, with the Rev. Dr. Harry B. OF LOVE Lansfleld on Her Exit Meets Milner trnnhlp pettinc that beard and wig off, and he'll need first aid in lotions and salves, besides certain make-up items for camouflage." Everything in Wearables I scanned the haberdashery list Everything a man. could wear, from socks to shirts and ties, was on the list, several sets of each, also a bathrobe, a smoking jacket, and bedroom slippers.

"I think Gus will be able to carry them," my father said. "You see, Georges has accessible only the clothes he is wearing. His regular wardrobe is in rooms he has paid for two months ahead, but he won't be able to get them. "So you will leave everything you buy in the car except a change of socks and underwear, some handkerchiefs and a tie of blue Fire Damages Boas St. Home From Pace One fore firemen could extinguish the flames.

District firemen fought a blaze for more than a half hour earlier today at the Eli Goldstein beer garden, 1301 North Sixth street. Chief Swartz reported the alarm was turned in at 1 o'clock after an overheated chimney set fire to joists in the basement. The flame3 burned rapidly into the first floor. Goldstein said the damage would exceed $100. He reported the wall between the barroom and garden, as well as the interior of these rooms and valuable fixtures were damaged badly.

Allison firemen were called last night when a chimney became overheated at the home 01 M. u. Hill. 1409 Swatara street. Swartz said there was no damage.

An unidentified nerson ran into th Allison irehouse at 9 m. today and reported an automobile afire at Thirteenth and Berrymu streets. Swartz said firemen could not find the car. MAIL YULE GIFTS MIFFLIN, Dec. 22.

Members of tha Mifflin Fire Company, now with the armed forces, either in this Country or overseas, have been mailed Christmas gifts, it was announced by Fred Criswell, secretary of the company. Ilk erator bombers of two medium- sized cargo vessels near the mouth of the Bumi river, camouflaged under branches to look like islands. The bombers scored direct hits on the ships, destroying both, the communique said. Senator Urges Consolidation Of Farm Groups International Newt Service WASHINGTON, Dec. 22.

Sena tor Elmer Thomas, Democrat, Oklahoma, today proposed con solidation of all agricultural or eanizations in the Country to present a solid front in farm labor and economic demands. At the same time, the Okla- homan made public suggested resolutions to be submitted at Nation wide farm meetings to be held January 12, in, accordance with a presidential proclamation, setting the day aside as "farm production day." Chief in the proposed resolu tions are demands for a "new and equitable parity" which would, in elude the cost of farm labor, de frrment and release of farm boys and labor from military service, and the removal of all production restrictions. "Unless existing agricultural policies are quickly corrected a most serious if not disastrous shortage of food, fiber and other essential commodities and raw ma terials will develop," Thomas said. Thomas' proposed resolutions will be submitted to Secretary of Agriculture Wickard for transmis sion to Commissioners or Secre taries of Agriculture in each of the forty-eight states. They, in turn, would send them to the county-wide meetings planned in their states.

One of the resolutions proposes pledges on the part of the farmers "to support the war effort and to work to the limit of our abilities in the production of food and fiber for our soldiers, our workers and our people." Many Reported Dead in Quake International Newt Service LONDON, Dec. 22. Thousands of persons were killed and hun dreds injured when devastating earthquakes swept the central Black Sea area of Northern Tur key, a German radio broadcast re ported today. Many high Turkish officials were said to have perished as the quake leveled buildings in towns in the Erbaa district, eighty miles eouth east of the port of Samsun. Heavy casualties were reported also from Tokat and said the Berlin broadcast which was recorded by Renter's.

Earlier reports placed the death list at 600. Later, accounts indicated that a second series of shocks had swept the stricken area, ad'ding to the death roll. The Berlin report said Premier Ismet Inonu was making a tour of the devastated district. Every building in Erbaa, which is 120 miles northeast of Ankara, the Turkish capital, was said to have been leveled by the quakes. Hear Appeal to Keep Potter County Rail Line EMPORIUM, Dec.

22. An appeal for the retention of the B. and O. rail, line to Austin, Potter County, was made at a hearing here yester day by an examiner for the Interstate Commerce Commission in the petition of the railroad to permit abandonment of the line. With most of the fifty-three miles of track washed out by floods in July, company officials said it would cost $658,000 to put the line in serv ice.

No military reasons exist for the maintenance of the line, and it would be almost impossible now to get the necessary steel and equipment, company officials said. Residents of the town, once a prosperous lumbering center, pleaded that the community would be exterminated by the abandonment of transportation facilities. The town must depend on industries to exist and no industry would come to a community without rail transportation, the residents pleaded. The town's only industry, a pulp and paper mill, washed out in the flood, is now being dismantled. Former Mayor Given Year for Conspiracy International Newt Service CAMBRIDGE, Dec.

22. Mayor George T. Ashe, of Lowell, pleaded guilty today to charges of conspiracy and bribery and was sentenced to the East Cambridge House of Correction for a year. Mayor Ashe was alleged to have accepted gratuities in 1940 in con nection with city hardware con tracts. A few minutes after sentence had been pronounced the mayor was taken to the House of Correction to begin serving the year.

Sequel Jo "Marriage Meddlerf By ADELE GARRISON in "Alimony Row" Free for Christmas International Newt Service CHICAGO, Dec. 22. Eleven of the twelve men in "alimony row" at the county jail obtained their freedom as a Christmas gift today on their promise to resume alimony payments as soon as they could obtain jobs. The twelfth, Odis R. Doyle, 36, was left behind when his former wife, Daisy, told Judge Oscar Nelson: "Other men are trying to make a good home.

But not Odis. He doesn't help take care of our child or his other by previous marriages. Don't let him out. Make him an example for somebody else." Soldier Dies of Auto Injuries GETTYSBURG, Dec. 22.

Pvt. John Brunn, 30, of Bulger, died last night in the Warner HoS' pital from injuries suffered Sun. day, when he and two other sol diers stationed at Fort Jackson, S. figured in an automobile accident at Twin Bridges, six miles north of here on the Gettysburg- Harrisburg highway. Private Brunn, Pvt.

Nathan Beacker, 34, of Williamsport, and Corp. Metro Chirvanko, of Wilkes Barre were returning to Fort Jackson when Private Beacker driver of the automobile, fell asleep at the- The car struck the bridge wall, spun about on the icy highway and went over a steep embankment Private Brunn was thrown from the machine and suffered a pos sible fracture of the skull, inter nal chest injuries, cuts about the face, fractures of the right arm, hand, and right shoulder. Neither Corporal Chirvanko nor Private Beacker were injured Damage to the car was estimated at $300. Dr. C.

D. Crist, Adams County coroner, said that no inquest would be held. He listed the death as accidental. Payments May Be Taken For Articles After War By United Prett WASHINGTON, Dec. 22.

The Of fice of Price Administration will submit for public consideration soon an elaborate plan for consumers to pay now for automobiles, refriger ators, pianos and automatic fur naces to be delivered after the war, it was learned today. OPA officials said the program would drain off $6,000,000,000 annu ally in excess purchasing power and at the same time help many business firms which otherwise would fail to survive another year of war. Consumers would "purchase any of the items exactly the way they would normally, except that they would receive a certificate instead of merchandise. Payment would be made either in cash or on the installment plan. Pittsburgh Continues Fight for More Gas International Newt Service PITTSBURGH, Dec.

22. The Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce made it plain today, through a spokesman, that it intended to continue its long fight to have Pitts burgh excluded from the Eastern seaboard gasoline rationing area. As sales were resumed again after a sixty-hour nan, a spoxesman summed up the chamber's viewpoint in this manner: "We have more gas than can be shipped out. There is no legitimate reason why restrictions should be imposed here." Ann Rutherford Will Wed Store Executive By United Prett HOLLYWOOD. Dec.

22. Ann Rutherford, Mickey Rooney's film sweetheart in the Hardy Family pictures, and David May, II, department store executive, plan to be married in the near future. Miss Rutherford, 23, and May, 30, in filing an application for a wedding license yesterday, said no definite date has been set for the marriage. They met at a social gathering a year ago. Miss Ruther ford has not been married before.

The marriage will be the second for Germans Driven Back in Russia From Page One ing in disorder with most of their heavy equipment left behind, did not offer the Russians serious re sistance in the town they captured on the central front. Unearth 2000 Mines "In the area of the middle Don, Soviety troops continued their of fensive, the noon communique said. Guardsmen dislodged the en emy from a large inhabited place and wiped out over 400 of the en emy and took ninety-eight pris oners. "Guards' sappers unearthed over 2000 mines." On another sector, Soviety artillery dispersed and partly wiped out an infantry unit retreating in disorder." These losses were in addition to more than 45,000 Germans killed and captured since the newof fensive began a week ago. The Germans mounted continu' ous tank and infantry counter-at tacks southwest of Stalingrad, probably fifty-seven miles away, near Verchne Kumsky.

Warmer weather, succeeding blizzards, was helping the Russian drive on the central Don front. The Communist party organ Pravda said German corpses, tanks, guns and trucks were choking snow-filled ravines, roads and fields in the path of the advancing Red Army. At some points, Pravda said, the Germans tried to rally but the relentless Soviet drive swamped them. In the first six days of the of fensive, the Russians occupied 6000 square miles between the Don and Chir Rivers and the Voronezh- Rostov railway. The Germans were trying to re lieve twenty-two divisions trapped between the Don and Volga Rivers bv the first Russian offensive.

They made one major attempt a week ago; it failed and they lost fifty tanks and 3000 men. In a factory area of Stalingrad city, the Soviet garrison methodi cally went about its day and night task of reducing German pillboxes and fortifications. On the south ern outskirts, a Ooviet unit sud denly stabbed into enemy lines and killed more than 100. Counter-Attacks Fail Northwest of Stalingrad, an at tacking Soviet unit killed 150 Ger mans and captured two guns and other booty. West of Rzhev, the Russians threw back three counter-attacks, killed 300 Germans, and destroyed nine machine guns and twelve trench mortars.

The Soviet high command an nounced last midnight that the Red Army on the central Don front had advanced twelve to fif teen miles. They captured Dec- tovo, eighteen miles northeast of the imDortant railway junction of Millerovo, on Sunday. (The Germans' radio Vichy ad mitted that surprise attacks in the Middle Don region had achieved appreciable gains, although they were "of no strategic importance." (A German Trans-Ocean agency dispatch insisted, on the other hand, that the offensive was no surprise, Dut admitted ngnung continued with "undiminished ferocity." Russian Girls Manning Front-line Telephones By United Prett PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 21 Irina Skariatina, author and war corre spondent, who has Just returned from a tour or war fronts in Europe, Asia and Africa, said last night that 18-year-old Russian girls are manning telephones in front-line dugouts of the Russian army. She told members of the Contem porary Club that other young girls, attached to medical units, follow the Red soldiers into battle, and carry wounded from the field.

Miss who is the wife of Lieut-Commdr. Victor F. Blake-slee, United States Navy, said that Sevastopol was literally "wiped off the map" by Nazi air bombardment. The palace of Catharine the Great and the old Tsars' Palace also were completely destroyed, she said. Allies Sending Masses of Men From Page One dications that the Imperials might have occupied Sirte.

Both the German and Italian ra dios reported new Allied attacks in Tunisia. Both, of course, said the new thrusts were turned back by Axis forces. Significantly, however, radio Rome said activity in Tunisia had become "somewhat more intense," and radio Berlin asserted that a major Allied actjon was imminent Advance Made by French French troops made a. new ad vance in the protectorate and were operating near Kirouan, only thirty-two miles from the strategic east coast port of Sousse, radio Morocco quoting a French communique. A successlul anve to the east coast would deprive the Germans and Italians of a major reinforcement port.

There was no confirmation of Spanish reports that the Germans were massing a relief force French ports. British observers believed it unlikely because of the probability that Axis North Af rican resistance at best could be only a holding operation. The French force advancing on Sousse was the column which previously had battered its way into Pichon, twenty-five miles to the west. Seventy-five miles to the south, a second French column advancing from the -inland Allied base of Gaf sa was reported to -be within striking distance of the port of Sfax. Both prisoners and war spoils were claimed by the rencn their Kirouan operations.

Italians Set Pace In Libya the flight of the Afrika Korps of Rommel was being paced by the Italians. Latest advices said Rommel's advance guards had reached the vicinity of Misurata, 120 miles from Tripoli, only 210 miles from the Tunisian border and 320 miles west of El Agheila whence they started their retreat December 12 This meant that in nine days Rommel's advance guard had made about thirty-five and a half miles a day in its backwards progress, while his rear guard, 150 miles to their rear, around Sirte, had averaged nearly twenty. Spanish advices said that as the result of Allied airplane bombings Tripoli, capital of Libya, was now almost useless and most Axis' supplies from Sicily and Italy were being diverted to Tunisian ports. Patrol Action Liquid An Allied communique reporting the repulse of a raid on Allied forward positions in northern Tunisia Saturday night indicated that ground activity there might assume big scale proportions soon after persistent rains. A spokesman at Allied headquar ters in North Africa said patrol action was liquid and some Allied patrols had advanced ten miles without meeting enemy forces while others made contact after advancing only half a mile.

The spokesman said the French troops were exceedingly keen and were taking their work very seriously. Many French veterans already were at the front and other troops were already undergoing intensive training as the nucleus of a French African army destined eventually, with the aid of American equipment, to total 300,000 men. Spanish advices said the main topic discussed by Adolf Hitler and Galeazzo Italian foreign minister, at their week-end conference was the urgent speeding of men and supplies to Africa so that the Axis might hold the eastern part of Tunisia and Rommel's retreat into Tunisia might be assured. Red Ball Is Replaced On N. Y.

Skating Sign International Newt Service NEW YORK, Dec. red ball on a white background which previously flew over New York skating rinks to signify good skating gave way today to green. The reason: The city park deport ment wants no one to confuse the pennants with the Japanese flag a red ball, the "Rising Sun," on a white background. SYNOPSIS Youn dethroned Kin George of Trees, object of deadly eeereb by a foreign espionage ring and disguised as an old man, is now in Madge Graham's uite in Hotel Lansfield in New York, where he has just placed himself under the protection of Madge's fsther, Charlea Spencer, secret service leader. Spencer now assigns Madge the task of purchasing clothing needed to enable Georges to attend a dinner in the Veritsen Lansfleld suit this evening, and an additional errand telephoning secretly to ask Harry Underwood to send a make-up artist who can removal Georges's disguise.

Spencer also gives Madge directions for throwing off any possible trailers, and aa be finishes Madge) says, "I take it you want me to go at one." background, the design of which he leaves to you. I don't think he would like to have Gus select it" A smile quirked the corners of his mouth as he took a roll of bills from his wallet and gave them to me. "I think youTl find plenty of money there," he said. "I'm financing Georges until he can get to his safety deposit box. That's one thing which isn't troubling him.

And now, I think I've told you everything." "And I'm ready to go except for one thing," I told him. "Mary will be back to tell us whether or not Noel will come to the after-dinner supper for Georges. Please tell' her that I'm coming over to her apartment as soon as I get I'll telephone her first, and if possible I'd like to see her alone. She-knows a thousand ways of cajoling Noel, to get him out of the way." "I'll wager she does," he said, "and 111 give her your message." Then I went out of the door, to find Adams waiting in the halL Piloted by Adams "Well just go-down this he said, and led me down the stairs for two flights, where he pushed the bell for the elevator. "I have to report all this to Milner," he said from the side of his mouth, "and IH give him enough details so he won't suspect that I omit anything.

And tell Gus your father knows your car will be trailed." "I'll tell him," I murmured, and then we were in the elevator. Adams stopped it at the second floor and we walked to a stairway and down to the street floor near the swinging outer doors. Milner, standing just inside them, taw me and bowed from the waist, giving tha general effect of clicking heels. "Ah. Mrs.

Graham iM "You are wise in getting outside mis Deauciiui day. Permit mel" He deftly took my arm and conducted me through the Anor tfc. side of the swinging ones to the part of the sidewalk covered by the entrance awning. From there he could see the armored rr wait ing for me. "Shall I have a taxi called?" he asked solicitously, "on1 von walking?" iContinned tomorrow).