NAZI NERVOUSNESS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 203, 27 August 1943, Page 3

NAZI NERVOUSNESS

Must Defend Whole Of Arc Covering Europe

LONDON, Aug. 24. The constant switching of German troops from one sector to another is accepted here as showing Berlin's nervousness because* of fear of attack.

Newspaper military commentators are widely—some wildly—speculating on events at Quebec. They are certain that those at Quebec have decided on an attack, but do not expect that the form and substance of such plans will be indicated until news of the attacks come. Meanwhile, they point out that the German staff has to prepare for the defence of the whole arc covering Europe and that the need for more troops to fill out the thinly-held defensive fronts is great. There is evidence that the Germans expect two attacks from the west and two from the south, and also that Germany has been brought into the war zone from end to end by the massed air campaign. Central Reserve Drafted to Line

The Yorkshire Post publishes an article by a well-informed military observer who considers that the central reserve in Germany which was held for emergencies has been drafted to the line. He reports that Norway will be defended by fortified lines needing minimum personnel, and points out that the rocky coast provides some protection, so that the main task will be safeguarding lines of communication. Norwegian experts, however, say that there must be many gaps in the west wall. The correspondent says that besides causing a reduction in the Norwegian garrison and the drafting of German reserves to the line, Allied Mediterranean operations have caused 10 of 40 divisions in France to be moved to Northern Italy, and the stopping of reinforcements for the Russian front.

Field-Marshal Lord Milne is one of those warning that the toughest job of the war still lies ahead. In an article in the Sunday Chronicle he says the attitude of those who are impatiently urging the acceleration of operations indicates ignorance of modern warfare requirements. He points out that as far as the war against Germany is concerned, Italy must remain a secondary theatre. The Mediterranean operations by themselves are useful only to the extent to which they keep Germany's interest focused in that direction.

Probable Invasion Commander

An announcement that Sir Bernard Paget, Commander-in-Chief, Southeastern Command, has been confirmed in the rank of full general, is featured in the newspapers, most of which say that the promotion has given point to speculation about his future. The newspaper point out that he is largely responsible for the training of the British armies for an offensive role. The Sunday Times says: "It can be argued that as he has done this so well, he would be the best man to lead the invading armies. It is believed in many quarters that he will be given the task."