Current Events August 19, 1943;

THIS WAS REPORTED TODAY, AUGUST 19, 1943:

American warships, making their first attack on the Italian mainland, have shelled bridges and power installations at Gioia Tauro and Palmi on the Gulf of Gioia 20 miles north of captured Sicily, Allied headquarters announced Thursday.

The Germans are moving troops into Italy in considerable strength apparently intending

to make n real fight for at least the northern end of that country, a competent British military informant said Thursday. "Several divisions" have been on the move to Italy from France and Germany In the last week or two, but an exact estimate of Nazi strength in Italy Is not possible now, said this commentator who cannot be Identified further.

The Germans are moving troops into Italy in considerable strength apparently intending

to make n real fight for at least the northern end of that country, a competent British military informant said Thursday. "Several divisions" have been on the move to Italy from France and Germany In the last week or two, but an exact estimate of Nazi strength in Italy Is not possible now, said this commentator who cannot be Identified further.

                 Kingsport times

                        Kingsport, Tenn., Thursday, August 19, 1943

Italy Trembles Under Yank Shells

Important Points Hit

By Americans In First

Navy Attack On Mainland

Allied Headquarters in North Africa—(AP)—

American warships, making their first attack on the Italian mainland, have shelled bridges and power installations at Gioia Tauro and Palmi on the Gulf of Gioia 20 miles north of captured Sicily, Allied headquarters announced Thursday. Heavy ships were involved, the announcement said, and violent explosions were observed.

Western Side

Jap Thrust At Yanks

On Vella Lavella Fails

Important Points Hit

By Americans In First

Navy Attack On Mainland

Allied Headquarters in North Africa—(AP)—

American warships, making their first attack on the Italian mainland, have shelled bridges and power installations at Gioia Tauro and Palmi on the Gulf of Gioia 20 miles north of captured Sicily, Allied headquarters announced Thursday. Heavy ships were involved, the announcement said, and violent explosions were observed.

Western Side

Allies Hint

Invasion

May Be Near

London — AP —

The Germans are moving troops into Italy in considerable strength apparently intending

to make n real fight for at least the northern end of that country, a competent British military informant said Thursday. "Several divisions" have been on the move to Italy from France and Germany In the last week or two, but an exact estimate of Nazi strength in Italy Is not possible now, said this commentator who cannot be Identified further.

From other sources came indications that tho Germans are not only moving into Italy, but that their troops from Western and Northern France have taken over the French coastal stretch from the Italian border to Toulon—previously garrisoned by Italian troops.

"Might Be Near"

A radio broadcast in tho name of the Allied high command told patriots in occupied Europe Thursday night to prepare for invasion of tho continent which already "might

be near."

The best information In London before the fall of Sicily indicated the Germans had' two or three divisions south of Naples on the Italian mainland and these plus perhaps

25,000 troops evacuated from the island would give the Germans a force of 50,000 to 75,000 for defense of Southern Italy—if they still

fare there.

With the Italian Army fairly well written off as Ineffective without German support, the question of Nazi strength in Southern Italy is regarded as a key factor affecting the next Allied step.

The majority of guesses here seemed to be that the German Army Is unlikely to risk large forces for long In Southern Italy where they face tho danger of being cut off by

landings to the north, but Is quite likely to employ forces large enough

to establish widespread positions to the north.

Still Unclear

It was still unclear just where this northern line was likely tp be; but one from just north of Spezeil on the west coast through Bologna to Rimini Is the basis of much speculation.

The invasion message, read from the United Nations radio at Algiers

and from BBC In London, urged patriots "to perfect all preparations in the shortest possible time."

Tho broadcast, directed primarily to the people of metropolitan France, declared a new phase of the European war, "the liberation of occupied countries," has begun now that the occupation of Sicily Is complete.

Not to reveal