TWO-YEAR-OLD CHOICE

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 230, 27 June 1944, Page 5

TWO-YEAR-OLD CHOICE

Cherbourg And N. Africa LONDON, June 25. The planning for the assault on Europe actually started in 1940, while the plans for the present Cherbourg operations were begun in January, 1942, said an officer who participated in the second-front planning, at a Press conference. “Mr. Churchill, after making terrific speeches about ‘backs to the wall’ and fighting the enemy on the beaches, would go off Io discuss with Admiral of the Fleet. Sir Roger Keyes, the best ways and menus of returning to Europe.” he said“It was agreed in July. 1912. that tlv Cherbourg Peninsula could b p taken. but with the limited forces then at the disposal of the Allies il was not certnin if they could have followed up the initial success. Russia would not. have boon satisfied if the Allies hail bogged down after a landing in Europe, so the North African landings were carried out. The officer said that Dieppe taught that, no landing could succeed without an overwhelming bombardment and without many fire-support vessels like the gunboats and rocket ships which were used successfully in Normandy. Tn the original plan for the capture of Cherbourg the British were to form a solid left flank, while the Americans went through as they are now doing. “There is a complete difference of temperament, lie said. "f do not think the British could have uvereonie the i>bst:|e|»- nt Cherbourg as quickly ns the Americans have done, nor could the Americans have stood up to an armoured slogging match as well as the British.”