AXIS ANXIETY

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 80, 5 April 1943, Page 3

AXIS ANXIETY

ALLIED PRESSURE

Further Speculation On Chances

Of Evacuation N.Z. Press Association.—Copyright Rec. 1 p.m. LONDON, April 4. Forecasting early Allied offensives the German News Agency says that the British at Medjez el Bab have completed regrouping after the inclusion of the First Infantry Division, which hitherto has not appeared in the northern front, and there has been a considerable strengthening of artillery. The news agency also reports a heavy swaying of the battles east of Maknassi, where the Americans are attempting to debouch to the plains. It adds that the Eighth Army has carried out additional concentrations in Oudref area. British assault divisions have pushed spearheads towards Rommel's defences after clearing extensive minefields. The possibility of an attempted "Dunkirk" is apparently exercising the minds of the Axis command. Reuters correspondent with the Eighth Army refers to five captured German infantrymen independently asking what the British Dunkirk was like. One inquired whether the German bombing there was anything like the Germans were now getting. Military commentators in London suggest that the present is too early to expect an Axis "Dunkirk," because the bulk of the Axis forces escaped from Mareth and, aespite casualties, the Afrika Korps is still a hard nut, although the Allied nutcrackers are steadily, if not spectacularly, exerting pressure. Defence Area Diminishes Nevertheless, as the Axis defence area diminishes, it is easier to defend at least until adequate air support for the field armies is impossible. There are yet no signs that such danger point has been reached, and until Rommel is too cramped he will continue fighting delaying actions. Commenting on the British naval reinforcements in the Mediterranean, observers in London are speculating whether the Italian Fleet will attempt to assist in the evacuation. The Rome correspondent of a Madrid newspaper says the Italians believe the fleet will be used "when the hour has struck." A Vichy newspaper infers similarly, saying that the fate of Tunisia will be decided between Naples and Bizerta. . After a visit to the front, including Gabes, General Giraud said: "The Axis will have to do a Dunkirk. There will soon be lots of white caps floating on the Mediterranean. We are on the road to victory." Columbia Broadcasting System announcer said Axis forces were increasingly deserting in significant numbers. Austrians in the northern sector and Italians in the south were coming over waving the Allies' safe conduct leaflets. The Italian "pep talker," Mario Appeli'us, broadcasting over Rome radio, said: "The war is approaching Italian territory. We must prepare for an eventuality. The entire British and American strength is concentrated against us. Thus, after three years facing the might of the British Empire, Italy must also take on the United States."