GERMAN DEFEAT

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 13063, 4 February 1943, Page 7

GERMAN DEFEAT

GIRAUD'S OPINION

Resources Overtaxed

Allied Advantage

London, Jan. 31

That Germany had already lost the war was emphasised by General Giraud in an interview with the Daily Mail correspondent, Mr Ward Price. "The German General Staff knows it," he added, "and Petain knows it. Only Laval clings to the illusion that the Germans will be victorious. I saw the war coming for years, and warned each Premier of France that it was inevitable. Mr Churchill, while in Casablanca reminded me that I foretold the war when he visited me early in 1939.. We have been within a hair's breadth of destruction.

"I was in despair in September, 1940, when I was prisoner, but the Royal Air Force saver Britain and saved civilisation.' Another moment when I was most anxious was during the German campaign in the Balkans which was brilliantly conducted, but when Hitler attacked Russia I knew the end was sure, for Russia's vasthow victory would come, General

ness makes her impregnable." Asked Giraud replied.

"Let us begin with North Africa. When Rommel joins Von Arnim their combined forces will number about 200,000. Of these Rommel's 100,000 lost their material during the retreat, and they will soon have only two courses —evacuation of capitulation. British and American strength in North Africa will soon be overwhelming. In addition, General Montgomery can bring in 2000 aircraft from Tripoli. "If the Germans try to evacuate they give the British Navy an ideal change to smash them. Whatever they do they are doomed." Asked whether he thought the Germans would fight to the last, General Giraud said: "I believe they will. I do not expect as split in Germany, where the Nazis have to strong a grip."

General Giraud added that lie fully expected that the generals before the end would displace Hitler from the Supreme Command,- but national resistance would continue until the armies, were finally beaten in the field. "The defeat of the Germans is certain," .he continued, "because they are becoming exhausted. Hitler, like Napoleon, took on a task beyond the country's strength. '"Germany would call up the last reserves of the youth, who doubtless would fight gallantly, but they would be overwhelmed by the constantlygrowing resources of the Allies. France's North African troops, always the cream of the French Army, have already fully proved their fighting spirit." General Giraud said that his army of 300,000 would be ready in a few months, and able to take part in the big battles in Europe. "I predict that 1944 will be the year of our complete victory,' he concluded. "We shall by then havelanded in Europe and invaded Germany. We shall dictate peace terms in Berlin."