THE TUNISIAN CAMPAIGN

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 41, 18 February 1943, Page 4

THE TUNISIAN CAMPAIGN

TO-DAY'S messages indicate that the American forces to the westward of Sfax and Susa, after having recovered a third of the ground lost in the first big push made by the enemy's panzer units, heavily supported by dive-bombers, have again been thrust back for a distance of fifteen miles. The nature of the fighting indicates that the Germans are determined upon three things: To keep the line open for Rommel's forces until the link with von Arnim is completed, to retain sufficient space for mass manoeuvre, and to delay Allied occupation of Tunisia for as long as possible. Mr. Churchill stated in his review of the war's progress that the hope of the Allied commanders for a quick and complete push through to Tunis and Bizerta had not been realised, and that stiff fighting was ahead before the Sicilian narrows could be opened by the rout of the Germans in their remaining African toehold. That forecast is being fulfilled, and the fact cannot be evaded that the American' forces have had a sharp setback. Until Allied air superiority is attained Rommel's veterans and the trained divisions brought from Europe, backed by strong air forces, .have a decided advantage, which they are at present exploiting to the full. But Alexander's army is still advancing against the strong points in Southern Tunisia, his outposts are within eighty miles of the First Army. A junction will shortly be effected, and when the two campaigns merge into one, under a strong air umbrella. Mr. Churchill's other forecast, that the operations will soon advance to their important climax, may quickly be fulfilled.