A CRITICAL BATTLE

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 304, 18 September 1943, Page 7

A CRITICAL BATTLE

WASHINGTON, September 16. The Secretary of War, Mr. Stimson, in a review of the war position, described Salerno as one of the most critical battles of the Mediterranean campaign. He declared there had never been any thought of evacuation, and added: "So far the forces on both sides have been evenly matched numerically, but the Germans have had the advantage by interior communication lines -which have enabled them to bring up reinforcements and supplies more quickly than the Allies. On the other hand, the British and the Americans have deflate air superiority, though they are handicapped somewhat because of the considerable distance they have to fly.” Mr. Stimson said that heavy opposition was expected at Salerno and the risk was undertaken deliberately because the prospects of success warranted it.

The Allied losses at Salerno were heavy and the enemy’s likewise. The heaviest German attacks had been made against the British portion of the line, but at least one American division had met a heavy enemy thrust.