GOOD POSITION FOR BIG TEST

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 50, 22 November 1941, Page 9

GOOD POSITION FOR BIG TEST

Churchill Sums Up ALL DEPENDS ON PANZER CLASH Spirit Unleashed (By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.) LONDON, November 20. The Prime Minister,. Mr. Churchill, in a brief statement in the House of Commons today, said that the British attack in the Western Desert, took the enemy by surprise and that already positions of advantage had been gained. The British and Imperial forces in the desert were now favourably situated for a trial of strength. “This offensive,” said Mr. Churchill, “has been long and elaborately prepared. We have waited for nearly five months in order that the army should be well equipped with all the weapons that have made their mark in this war. If in this case the enemy’s armour is destroyed or seriously defeated and his air-power dominated, the plight of his infantry and artillery, crowded in the coastal regions, will evidently become serious. The object of the British and Empire offensive is not so much to occupy this or that locality, but to destroy the army, and primarily the armoured forces, of the enemy. “One tiling is certain: the British and Empire troops are animated by a long pent-up and ardent desire to engage the enemy, feeling, as all do, that this is the first time we have met tiie Germans at least equally well armed. “There is nothing in the world like the war conditions prevailing in the Libyan desert, in which swift and farranging movements are only possible by the extraordinary use of armour and air-power, or power mechanization. The conditions in many respects are like those of the sea war. An encounter, when achieved, is like a clash between fleet flotillas, aud, as in a sea battle, all may be settled one way or the other in the course of a few hours. Brilliant Strategy.

“For this purpose, the army in the Western Desert took up its preliminary station ou a broad front from the sea to Jarabub and the Oasis of Siwa, and all was in readiness at nightfall ou November 17. Tiie rainfalls which aie hampering the movement of our forces appear to have been far heavier in the coastal region than in the desert, and may well prove to be more harmful to tiie enemy than to us. During November 18 our army made contact witli tiie enemy outposts at nial >y points. It seems certain that the enemy was taken completely by surprise. , ~ “Tiie desert army is now favourably situated for a trial of strength, and it is evident that the next few days will see developments which will include many highly interesting features. It is not known whether this trial has actually begun yet, but evidently it cannot be long delayed. . “It is too soon to indulge in exultation. General Auchinleck inis made a brilliant and successful strategic approach and has taken positions of marked advantage. All depends on the battles which will follow. “One thing is certain, ’ said Mr. Churchill. “All ranks of the British and Empire troops involved will fight with the utmost resolve and devotion, realizing tiie part that a British victory in Libya will play on the whole course of the war.”