SYNCHRONISED ACTIONS

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 13057, 27 January 1943, Page 3

SYNCHRONISED ACTIONS

FIRST AND EIGHTH ARMIES London, Jan. 24. Glowing praise for the men who captured Tripoli is given in the Lon.don press. All eyes are now turned to Tunisia, where, it is hoped, the victorious Eight Army's weight will soon be felt. Commentators observe that the defenders of the African bridgehead, if they succeed in joining forces wth Rommel, will suffer a disastruos lack or air support such as is necessary to protect essential sea communications. As the Royal Air Force Middle East Command moves into the aerodromes of Tripoli, enemies penned in the narrow coastal strip will' feel this lack more and more. Meanwhile, it is assumed that General Eisenhower, while the British and French screen his front, i 9 organising the Americans as a striking force, which, when aerodromes are ready, will receive full Allied air strength and will synchronise an offensive with General Montgomery's force. Preparations are expected to take a little time yet, but, with a view to the earliest possible opening of the European campaign, hopes are expressed that the enemy will bo driven out of Africa by the spring.