§ 83. Mr. G. Straussasked the Secretary of State for War whether he can make any statement about recent military activities in Yugoslavia.
§ Sir J. GriggI will, with my hon. Friend's permission, circulate particulars of these activities in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Following are the particulars:
§ At the beginning of December the enemy launched a widespread offensive against the Yugoslav National Army of Liberation (also known as the "Partisans"). The principal fighting was in Eastern Bosnia and the Sanjak, where a large body of Partisans was at one time encircled by at least one Bulgarian and four German divisions. The Partisans had contrived by 15th December to break out to the North and this part of the German offensive was unsuccessful. In Dalmatia the Germans made a drive inland from their coastal bases and penetrated as far as Livno, some 40 miles North East of Split. Livno, however, changed hands several times before being secured by the enemy on about 15th December. In spite of repeated attempts, the Germans have not managed to advance any further in this region. In Croatia also there was heavy fighting about 50 miles South of Zagreb, but by 21st December the Partisans were able to announce that the whole of this area had been cleared of the enemy. In general, this large-scale German offensive against the Partisan forces was a failure.
§ In the latter part of December the main German operation was the capture of the island of Korcula, South of Split. On 2nd January this was followed up by the capture of the adjacent island of Mljet. Early in January the Partisans made a daring raid on the Bosnian town of Banjaluka, which was held by a strong German garrison. Heavy casualties were inflicted on the enemy and a large number of prisoners and much war material captured before the Partisans withdraw. During the second week in January the Germans launched a heavy offensive in Central Bosnia, which is still in progress. Jajce has had to be abandoned by the Partisans and an enemy armoured and motorised column has made some progress Southward from Banjaluka. During the period under review, apart from the operations mentioned above, there has been almost continuous fighting over the whole of Yugoslavia excepting Eastern Serbia. Serious damage has been inflicted on enemy rail and road communications and particularly on the railway between Zagreb and Belgrade, which is the principal line for German supplies to South East Europe.
41§ The Partisan Army has been supplied with war material by the Allies to the full extent that the military situation has permitted; Partisan operations have on numerous occasions been supported by our air forces; and close liaison has been maintained by Allied officers in Yugoslavia. The Partisan Army has at one time or another during this period engaged up to fifteen German divisions, which might otherwise have been profitably employed elsewhere. Large areas of Yugoslavia are entirely under Partisan control. Further, by their interruption of German sea, road and rail communications, the Partisans have inflicted a heavy burden on the German organisation of supplies.