AIM TO INVADE ENGLAND ?

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 43, 14 November 1941, Page 7

AIM TO INVADE ENGLAND ?

Aerial Preparations Reported POSITION IN RUSSIA Big Nazi Armies May Be Stalled For Winter (By Telegraph.—Press aesn.—Copyright.) Received November 13, 9.30 p.m. LONDON, November 1 “The Times” correspondent on the German frontier says that a statement by the Wilhelmstrasse that most unfavourable weather is turning the whole of the Russian front into mud, especially in the central sector, amounts to a tacit admission that, after all, a serious winter campaign is impracticable. “All signs are suggesting that the last great German offensive against Russia, which was proclaimed by Hitler on October 4, is really over without having attained the chief objectives,” the correspondent says. “The German High Command's chief concern now is to maintain the appearance of front-line strength while the whole, of Germany s armies in Russia are reorganized and redistributed. “The Times” correspondent in Stockholm declares that the winter comforts and, particularly, sheltered quarters, appear to be the present chief driving force behind the German High Command. According to trustworthy information from Berlin, he says, some units are already being sent home. “Berliners appear to be convinced that the onslaught against Britain must be renewed in spite of the lack of completion of Hitler’s Eastern programme,” says this correspondent. "Indeed, operations in the West, even if most desperate, have become most imperative, because with successes in Russia disappointingly hanging fire any general hold-up of operations would be likely to jeopardize calamitously the whole Nazi authority. “GREAT AIR-BORNE ATTEMPT.” “The German talk of. an invasion is backed by preparations on a gigantic scale, indicating an unprecedently great air-borne attempt, largely by gliders, of which it is reported production has recently attained six figures. Each glider is capable of carrying five tons towed across the sea by Junkers. It is also common knowledge that the whole of the natural and artificial silk production has been commandeered, it is believed for parachutes, the output of which is also tremendous, far exceeding the replacement necessities.

“Many German specialists doubt whether an invasion of Britain would succeed, but all agree with relish that, whatever the cost to Germany, it would be a calamity for England; as soon as the parachutists established bridgeheads hordes of air-borne troops would follow, and even if the attempt failed ultimately, England, as England, would perish too.”