December 20, 1944; COUNTERATTACK SLOWED:

THIS WAS REPORTED TODAY, DECEMBER 20, 1944:

American Line Bent

But Not Broken By

Big Nazi Offensive

By MAJOR PAUL C. RABORG

(Written Especially For International News Service)

NEW YORK, Dec. 20.—

The great German counter-assault in Belgium apparently continued to advance through Tuesday in spite of American counter-attacks which recurred throughout the day. One armored Nazi spearhead was stopped, A town-which the Germans

had captured was retaken, another was re-entered but still the Nazis moved forward.

It appeared that the main American counter-attacks were taking place on the northern side of the Nazi bulge into Belgium. It was emphasized that the Germans had accomplished no complete breakthrough at any point. In other words, Lieut. Gen. Courtney H. Hodges' line has bent backward but has not broken.

Yanks Prepared

The ability of American units to counter-attack and then counterattack again is positive proof that General Eisenhower has prepared all of his armies for just such an occurrence as is now taking place.

Furthermore, the constant flow of American supplies and reinforcements to the front is an absolute indication that troops and supply dumps had been placed in preparation for any Nazi offensive attempt.

Principal Nazi Penetration In

Eiffel Forest Area

Swirling- Blanket Of Fog

Covers Sector Where

Great Battle Rages

SITUATION IS

            STILL SERIOUS

By RICHARD C. HOTTELET

(C.B.S. Correspondent!

(Distributed by International News Service)

WITH THE U.S. F I R S T

ARMY, Dec. 20, 12:55-P.M. EWT

We are getting the first straight indication that at some points the tide of battle is beginning to change in our favor. At several points the Germans made no progress today and one of the German spearheads was pushed back several thousand yards by one of our veteran divisions.

By THURSDAY MacAULEY

PARIS, Dec. 20.—Reinforced

First Army tank and INFANTRY battled doggedly under a swirling blanket of fog to turn back the slowed German offensive which Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower's spokesmen conceded has scored major penetrations of their lines...

A battle front. Message disclosed that the principal enemy penetration was made in the Eifel forest near the eastern extension of the Ardennes, where the Germans plunged a depth of from 18 to 20 miles and encircled some American troops.

Strategic Town

On Leyte Taken

By U.S.Forces

Complete Conquest Of Island

Now Appears To

Be Imminent Development

JAP AIRDROME NOW

      USED BY AMERICANS

(I. N. S, Staff Correspondent)

GEN. MacARTHUR'S HEADQUARTERS,

Philippines, Dec. 20.—

Complete conquest of Leyte island appeared imminent today in the wake of capture of the strategic town of Valencia in the northwestern sector of the island and consequent entrapment of the last organized Jap pockets of resistance.

Former Headquarters Taken

Gen. Douglas MacArthur announced capture of the town which formerly was the site, of Jap imperial army headquarters and also revealed that the Valencia airdrome which was previously reported seized has been put into use by American

airmen.

The Valencia airstrip was captured in good condition and is being used mainly by Piper Cub planes which are invaluable as artillery

"spotters".

Remaining Japanese forces now are compressed into the northwestern sector of the island and, are faced with the threat of American troops advancing northward beyond Valencia while other United States forces are moving southward, leaving

the Japs in a practically untenable position.

Only Port Left

The only port of supply and reinforcement left to the Japs on Leyte is Palompon which is covered by alert American air forces and surface patrols.

Churchill Says

U. S., Britain And

Russia In Accord

LONDON", Dec. 20.—(INS)—

Prime Minister Winston Churchill faced the House of Commons on the Greek question again today and assured them that .Russia, Great Britain and. the United States were in "entire agreement upon the general aims which bind our alliance."

However when the premier was pressed for assurance of that cooperation he replied "there is complete cooperation but whether there is complete agreement on every aspect is a different question."

When the question of Greece was raised by Daniel Lipson, an independent, Churchill added that the burden of attending to the troubles in Greece had fallen on Britain.