The Bay of Plenty Times THURSDAY, AUGUST 19, 1943. AXIS DISINTEGRATION IS NOW INEVITABLE

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 13228, 19 August 1943, Page 4

The Bay of Plenty Times THURSDAY, AUGUST 19, 19 43. AXIS DISINTEGRATION IS NOW INEVITABLE

Misfortunes and tragedies are multiplying for Germany and Italy, but they are receiving only what they asked tor. the mn|s of God grind slowlv but they grind exceedingly small, and this m being realised by the Axis powers. In 1940. with egotism and bombast, Jailer declared that he was about to establish a new order in Europe, under the hegemony of Germany, with the conquered nations contributing to the greatness of the Fatherland. -_s an inevitable part of this grandiose scheme, the invasion of Russia was ordered. The rich grain fields of the Ukraine were necessary for the upkeep of Greater Germany. Hitler was able to indulge in this nonsense, because at that time Gei man} ie c the initiative and was in command of land and air, and thong it to command the sea with the aid of the U-boat. What Hitler overlooked was the capacity of the other fellow to catch up with Jinn. The British stood alone, and stood steadfast. The men of the bulldog breed started to work in earnest, and without egotism or boasting, and steadily they built up the defences of % Britam. Then Japan played into the hands of the British by attacking 1 eai Harbour. ‘ This had the effect of bringing the United States into the war as an ally of Britain. The two democracies aie non working as one. They are indomitable and with strenuous work and a fixed determination will win the war, and there is nothing that Cnii deprive them of this. _ The egotism and boasting of Hitler and Mussolini Inn e vanished. Mussolini is a prisoner in his own country. He is to-da\ a very cheap dictator, and is probably afraid of his life. fie German forces which Hitler regarded as an invincible and Mctonous body are now beaten on all fronts. The Russians seem capable of doing just what they like with the - German armies. The\ also received more than thej’ bargained for in Tunisia and in Siciß . These tragedies do not promse victory for the Axis, indeed, theie is now no longer talk of victory in German official circles. The concern hoav is how to prevent the Allies from invading German territory. Italy is done, and her capitulation has been brought nearer by the fall of Sicily. Her capitulation is foreshadowed by the announcement that the King may ask the churches to hold services at short notices. This, if it means anything, means that some glorious event is pending and that event seems to be the collapse of Italy. Badoglio cannot withstand the people of Italy. They want peace, and they will have it. The severe bombing of Milan, Turin and Rome emphasises the determination of the Allies to compel the Italian leaders to recognise the realities the situation. In the meanwhile it is interesting to note that Italian workers are ordered to lessen their war effort by working six clavs in the week, instead of seven. Moreover the export of war goods to Germany is arbitrarily stopped. This does not signify that Germany and Italy are working in unison, as are Britain and the United States. Germany, on her side, has ceased sending coal to the Italians, and has refused to allow Italian goods transit through Germany to Sweden. This is the beginning of the disintegration of Axis Powers, The disintegration is not yet complete, but it will be very soon. A new crop of misfortunes will have to be faced by Germany when Italy capitulates. That would open up many new opportunities for the Allies, the most important of them being the freedom to attack Germany and her satellites through the Balkans. We think that when the Allies begin their invasion of the Balkans they may be joined by Turkey which country is very much interested in seeing that Bulgaria keeps her place. Defeat for Germany and victory for the Allies are inevitable .