WesWorld

United Press International, Belgrade, Sunday, 19 March 1944

One cannot but admire the fortitude and perseverance of the Yugoslav demonstrators who have been gathered outside the Italian mission here protesting the continued Italian occupation of Slovenia and Dalmatia. Frozen in wintry snow these hardy souls now face late-winter rains that chill the body to the bone; yet their enthusiasm is undimmed. They are aware of the studied deaf ear of the Italian Government, the smug-faced politicians who believe that they can keep a people in thrall for all eternity. They have thus far kept their vow to maintain their vigil, and with the return of spring around the corner they may soon have respite from the weather that has worn them down but not out.


Novosti News Service, Paris, Monday, 20 March 1944

After several weeks of touring French aircraft manufacturing facilities and witnessing the demonstration of the most-modern French military aircraft the Royal Yugoslav Air Force's Technical Mission has departed for Great Britain, where it is expected that they will inspect several of the latest British military aircraft for possible purchase.


Novosti News Service, Cepotina Military Cantonment, Tuesday, 21 March 1944

A prototype of a new infantry rifle developed by the Zastava Ordnance Works, christened the M43, was demonstrated to members of the School of Musketry here. The new weapon, a semi-automatic rifle chambered for the standard 8mm Mauser round, performed to the satisfaction of the officials conducting the test. A decision on whether to pursue further development is expected later this year.

Novosti News Service, Belgrade, Wednesday, 22 March 1944

The Government has announced that it has authorised the expansion of the Frontier Guards by a further five thousand officers and men, in order to more closely patrol the nation's borders. This follows reports that units previously stationed along the Hungarian frontier have been reassigned to areas bordering the Occupied Territories.


Novosti News Service, Belgrade, Friday, 24 March 1944

The Government has announced the closure of all border crossings between Yugoslavia and the Italian exclave of Vlore.

The Italian Senate issues the following statements regarding the Yugoslavian decision to close the land boarders with the province of Vlore.

"We are highly disappointed in the actions of the Yugoslavian government with regards to Vlore. The closure of land boarders is a most unsettling turn of events. Evidently the Yugoslavian government only cares for the well being of persons it deems should be under there purview when it suits them, regardless of those persons current status within the Italian Republic. Such actions that they have chosen to undertake pose a true threat to the health and safety of the people of Vlore, who have done nothing to warent such targeted agression. In response, we have reached agreements with several Italian-flaged shipping companies in order to ensure a continual flow of needed items into Vlore. We hope that the Yugoslavian government sees the error in judgment that created this situation and reverses it quickly. Unlike those individual citizens who continue to make there views in peaceful ways, the Yugoslavian government has gone to far."

Novosti News Service, Monday, 27 March 1944

The First Yugoslav Factory for Wagons, Tools and Bridges has been awarded a contract for manufacture of the LT.43 light tank. No details regarding the quantity involved have been released at this time.


(Wireless Messages)

08819440200Z
FROM: ADMIRALTY
TO: CDR FIRST MINESWEEPING GROUP, CDR SECOND MINESWEEPING GROUP, CDR THIRD COAST DEFENCE GROUP
SUBJECT: ORDERS

First and Second Minesweeping Groups and Third Coast Defence Group will establish defensive sea patrols with territorial waters between N 42-16-11 and N 40-38-43 effective immediately. Assure integrity of territorial waters against all violations. Patrols will be maintained on around-the-clock basis until further order.


08819440205Z
FROM: ADMIRALTY
TO: CRD FIRST AVIATION GROUP
SUBJECT: ORDERS

First Aviation Group will provide immediate support to Third Coast Defence Group in maintenance of defensive sea patrols within territorial waters between N 41-34-15 and N 40-38-11.

The Times (London), Wednesday, 29 March 1944

After spending more than a week examining the latest bomber aircraft of the Royal Air Force, the Technical Mission of the Royal Yugoslav Air Force has departed on its return trip to Belgrade. While here members of the mission evaluated the latest model of the De Havilland Mosquito high speed bomber and also the Bristol Buckingham, whose load carrying ability impressed several members of the delegation. While at Hatfield, members of the technical mission also had the opportunity to evaluate De Havilland's Hornet twin-engined long-range fighter. With a speed at altitude exceeding 470 miles per hour, the Hornet is a marvel of British aeronautical engineering and duly impressed the Yugoslav delegation. Comments made by members suggested that the British offerings compared very favourably with what the delegation had seen in France and Germany, but it will take time for the Yugoslav Government to digest the Technical Mission's findings and recommendations.


Novosti News Service, Belgrade, Thursday, 30 March 1944

Following the second incident involving a car fire caused by faulty fuel distribution systems, Minister of Transport Petar Kersovani has ordered the mandatory recall of the Italian-made Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 motor cars registered in the country and prohibited its further marketing until the fault is rectified.