AMERICAN FORCES

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 31, 6 February 1943, Page 5

AMERICAN FORCES

Will Intensify Bombing Of Enemy Territory N.Z.P.A. Special Correspondent Rec. 11 a.m. LONDON, Feb. 5. Lieutenant-General F. M. Andrews, commanding the United States Army and Air Force in the Middle East, has arrived in London to succeed General Eisenhower as Commanding General of United States Forces in Europe. The appointment does not affect General Eisenhower, who remains Commander-in-Chief in. North Africa. Interviewed by the' Associated Press, General Andrews said, "My first job is to increase the intensity of the bombing of the enemy and prepare for the reception of larger forces which undoubtedly will be brought into the United Kingdom.

"We intend to go all out in intensifying air warfare and we do not intend to start night bombing immediately. I believe most strongly in strategic bombing. We shall continue with the 'softening' of Germany. We shall build up a bomber force here as fast as the formation of new units and shipping permit.

"I believe in combined action whenever it is practicable, including action between land, sea and air forces, also close air support of ground forces. If you want the best example of close support air operations among the Allies you should consider those conducted against Rommel."

Asked for his views on the divebomber, General Andrews said: "Dive-bom&ng requires complete air superiority to be effective. German dive-bombers in the Middle East have been like duck soup for our fighters." General Andrews, who is 59 years of age, has held many posts and commands, including, after the last war, two years and a half with the United States forces in Germany. "You have here in London now the man who has been in charge of that close work in Egypt and Libya, Air-Vice-Marshal Sir Arthur Coningham," added General Andrews.