NOTES AND COMMENTS

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 94, 15 January 1943, Page 4

NOTES AND COMMENTS

Perhaps the most significant, evidence that the success of the Russian offensives is having a disturbing effect on the German High Command and the Nazi Hierarchy is the statement broadcast, for home consumption by the German military commentator, Lieut.-General Dietmar, that the country s manpower resources must be geared up to the utmost, in order to combat the greater weight and apparently more effective use of Russia’s. It is not usual for German broadcasts to be so frank in admissions of shortcomings. When that happens, as it. does occasionally, it is taken to moan that their rulers have found it necessary to frighten the German people into greater efforts by presenting them with a disturbing revelation of at least part ot the truth about, the war situation. A nation disciplined by fear can only be kept, up to tho mark by fear, ns for example, when the Gormans were told by their leaders that slavery and misery would bo their lot if they were defeated tn this war. Certainly nothing could more appal them than the spectre of a possible future Russian invasion of their own country if Germany’s present resources cannot avail to check the advance of the Red armies.

Commenting on the military prospects in North Africa an American authoritv said recently I hat the broad strategical question for Hiller was the control of the Mediterranean. If he had the resources tho most likely move, for his purposes the best, would be to advance through Spain to the Strait of Gibraltar in the west and through Turkey ami Palestine Io the Suez. iH ( .. M That would give him absolute control, but would require o ; ( . nv | lPll ning strength. On the other hand, if the Nazi loader, who is also supreme commander of the German forces, confined his eflorts solely Io l.uMin- w Jmt he eoulil seize of Tunisia and what Im could relain of I ripolif.mi.raml Libva. that would indieale clearly that he had not the power requisite for the major plan. The position, in that respect, seems now to he He’iror Tim emmv is trying Io hold tho Tunisian corner in order Io keep r outnd’ of Urn narrow passage between II and Sicily. Libya has been lo s| ami Tripolitania now seems in process of being losl. At the same tune H,e Governments of Spain and I’oringai are reported to have entered into a-reemcnl said to bo aimed al th-' preservation of strict neutrality, ami u! tbe other -nd of the Mediterranean the Turks have shown dearly that lhev would be prepared to resist any allcmpt to violate Ilnur lerrdor.w -Hu. .rend of events suggests thal Hie American authority above-quolerl

imiv have made a correct reading of Hie position.