ALLIED MIGHT GROWS

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 125, 20 February 1941, Page 10

ALLIED MIGHT GROWS

Far-Flying Operations This Year BIG ARMS DRIVE Militarily, 1911 is expected to see stendv development and a vast accretion of Allied strength, but the mo-t optimistic iu the highest quarters do not predict that the war will be brought to a decisive stage this year, writes the London military correspondent of the "Sydney Morning Herald.” Matty important naval, .military, and aerial operations, however, are certain to have a vital influence.

As their strength accumulates, the Allies will have greater opportunities for initiative ail’d offensive, All newspapers reviewing 1940 agree that the British Empire is standing on the threshold of a year which may well determine the course of world history for generations to come. Britain’s three main problems—manpower, supply. ami production—are being tackled in more and more business-like manner.

It is suggested that the Prime .AlinBter. Mr. Churchill, will shortly announce important changes as a prelude to the biggest production drive of the war, probably establishing a Ministry of AA'ar Pro'duction, with wider powers and greater authority than the Production Council of Mr. Arthur Greenwood (Alinister without Portfolio). Looking forward to success in arms after our peak strength has been achieved, commentators take comfort that a year of bitter adversity has ended with a perceptible feeling of buoyaitc.v and confidence. They recall that at no period between June tilt'd September could wo have hoped to arrive at the turn of the year having parried an inva-ion and torpedoed the alternative Italian push in the East. The fact, that we are not submerged am! are facing the threat ot' invasion with calm confidence, is calculated to bring a happier, if still strenuous, new year. It is realized that adversity is the foundation on which British victory is built, and success come? through the offensive. Sacrifices Ahead. AVith firm, unshakable courage, the British people have dug in their toes for a supreme, sustained effort. They are harbouring no illusions about the magnitude of the task ahead, and many more sacrifices will be grimly accepted. Although almost every family in the kingdom already has a representative in one or other of the services, more ami more adults will be roped in for various activities in connexion with the war effort, notably for "roof-spot-ting." It is recognized that it is the people’s war, and that the enemy is at the gates, and there is a job for everybody. The uncomplaining heroism of the Navy, dispersed over wide and wintry oceans, the gallantry and dash of the Air Force, the superb elan of the Empire forces in Libya, and the Greeks' relentless offensive have all whipped up the British people's spirit. It is widely appreciated that the enormous mechanized army still ‘‘contained” tn Britain by the invasion threat will have its turn. The following highlights of the general strategic situation indicate rhe manifold tasks which are being tackled, and which must be tackled even more sternly as the growing resources permit. First, the Royal Navy and and Air Force have their hands full combating submarines and surface raiders. The dramatic stories from the Emirn cast aways, which were given prominence in London dailies, tell of fresh dangers in the Pacific. It is ho[>ed that the Royal Navy may soon be strengthened by another 50 American destroyers. Secondly, the concentration of the R.A.F. on bombing Gorman-occupied invasion ports leads to the view that a real invasion threat persists ns it <l9l in September, when the R.A.F. caused damage to barge concentrations. The military correspondent of "The Times” says that probably Hitler will not abandon the prospect of destroying this country by direct, assault. Blows at Ports. The R.A.F. is devoting considerable attention to Meriguae and other aerodromes in the Bordeaux region, whence large four-engined planes have been ranging out in collaboration with Üboats, intent on the destruction of our shipping and the severing of the Atlantic trade routes. Military authorities hope that the superior skill of the R.A.F. personnel and lhe superior technical quality of their aircraft will enable them soon to reduce our shi]>piug losses and eventually kill the menace. "The Times." in an editorial, referring to Hitler's insolent proclamation to the Nazi Party, states that Hitler would have preferred to conquer the world without having to fight for it, and lie hoped by overwhelming military force to convince the world in advance of the hopelessness of resistance to bis ambitions. ' It was Britain's achievement in 11)40 to have demonstrated that resistance was not hopeless nor senseless. As 1941 opened the consciousness was beginning to dawn throughout the world, among Germany's allies, and even in Germany itself, that Hitler had unions, ed “this senseless war” for his own destruction.