GREATEST STRUGGLE IN HISTORY LOOMING

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 83, 9 April 1942, Page 8

GREATEST STRUGGLE IN HISTORY LOOMING

NEXT FEW MONTHS

Britain More Determined Than Ever Before

t'nited Press Association.—Copyright. Special Correspondent. Rec. 1 p.m. LONDON, April 8. The pale green buds are now breaking out on the trees and hedges throughout Britain. The blackouts have receded until after 9 p.m. By the time the leaves have browned and are falling under winter's first breath and the blackouts have again been clamped down, the Empire and the Allies will probably be face to face with the war's outcome, though it may drag on for some time. The next six or seven months will witness the greatest strugcle in the history of man throughout the world, for it. is a world battle with gigantic struggles on land, sea and air. There is the battle for Russia, for India and China: the battle for the Middle East; the battle for the life of New Zealand and Australia. There are also the battles for the Atlantic, the Pacific and the Indian Oceans, and over every battlefield there is the battle for the air. The war's focus has now switched to the Caucasus, the Middle East and India, for there is not the slightest doubt that the Nazis and Japanese are making a supreme effort to "shake hands in the Indian Ocean," for which Hitler is draining Germany and the occupied countries of all available manpower. It would be interesting to know just how optimistic Hitler is of his chances of success, for although there is no doubt that Germany is solidly behind him. there are signs of restlessness in the German people, for victories have not brought peace. also there is an«cietv because of Russian losses and the continuous extension of the battlefronts. Most Bitter Battles If things prosper for Hitler, there will be no further need for Goebbels to warn "croakers," but if the Russians stand up and hold the renewed attack —and Stalin has forecast a German defeat this y«?ar—then Germany may be in a sad state. But it can be taken for granted that the battles will be most bitter. How does Britain face the coming six months? Britain is more united and fuller of fight and determination than she has been for a quarter of a century. To-dav's slogan is: "We can give it." Instead of last year's: "We can take it." For obvious reasons the possibility of opening up a second front cannot be discussed one way or the other, but if the Germans have anv doubts of the ability of the R.A.F. to give it, they have been wiped out by the recent heavy raids, of which those against Essen, Lubeck, Cologne and Paris are a foretaste of things to come. Even experienced pilots carrying them out have been awed by the results. There is no doubt that the Germans, who gloated over Rotterdam, Belgrade and Coventry raids, will soon regret that the Luftwaffe ever carried bombs. Forecasting, unofficially, it can be 1 reckoned that the R.A.F'. will play a big part in the coming European battle to an etxent which it is interesting to assess in the future. Recent Spate of Criticism Even if New Zealanders have been puzzled by the recent spate of British internal criticism, they need not be worried. That criticism has almost entirely demanded more vigorous action, greater efficiency and insistence for a Government probe of a more austere running of the country. It is not moaning and grumbling, but a healthy prodding of the best democratic traditions. There has been much heard of muddling and inefficiency. Naturally there has been both, but who is going to prove that it is worse than in any other country suddenly plunged, almost unprepared, into the world's greatest war? It is not improbable that there is muddling in Germany, while, since America entered "the war, there has even been the same complaints there internally. Mr. Churchill has critics. So has Hitler—but usually they are not at large for long if they are heard. President Roosevelt is not entirely uncriticised. Britain, by upholding free speech and a free Press, has exposed her war effort to the glare of master searchlights which no Axis country would ever dream of permitting. Obviously, some cracks and crevices must show up but they can be filled in more readily. So to-day, Britain is grim, dour, and full of fight, demanding action, fully aware that the greatest ordeal is ahead, but innately confident that when the autumn leaves fall all our fates will be secure.