SWAYING BATTLES

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 280, 23 August 1944, Page 5

SWAYING BATTLES

Why Red Army Has Paused NO RECKLESS THRUSTS

(By

E.A.A.)

The swaying battles reported from Russia contrast strongly with the previous almost incredible swiftness of events. Actually it would, have been surprising, and perhaps a little alarming, if the Russians had recklessly forged ahead without pause. What then has caused the present “breather” on the eastern front? . • , The general strategic situation, which now confronts Hitler is the precise one which German strategists and diplomats sought to avoid for the lust 80 years or more—war on more than one front. The history 'of the Reich is in fact 4 a history of bribery and corruption to enable German armies to fight on one front only. The early history of the Great War 11. is too well known to merit recapitulation. Suffice it to add that at the moment Germany is fighting not on two fronts, but on three fronts, and possibly four. Hitler has the choice of being strong on one front only. Even so, he cannot be strong enough. Hitler decided: to be strong on the western front. The best divisions were concentrated in France, and specially in Normandy. The Russians were quick to seize their chance. It looked, in fact, as if Hitler had decided to allow the Russians a walk-over to Berlin. This may have been done with a view to dividing the Allies. He could reason that American interests would bring pressure to bear. He reasoned wrongly, and the Allies were not divided. In fact, they issued manifestos indicating complete agreement among themselves. Whatever may have been the possible Allied views on Hitler’s policy, there is no doubt that as the Russian armies got within rumbling distance of the Reich frontiers German industrialists and'Nazi leaders had very different views. The recent putsch enabled those views to be expressed in a manner so unmistakable that the dwindling German reserves were rushed to stem an enemy liked least as an army of occupation. There is little doubt that the German army still contains sufficient reserves to delay the Russian advance, but inadequate to knock her out, as was done in the Great -War. There are, however, ( other reasons why, the Russian advance had to halt. The Russian divisions had been advancing for over six weeks. They have left behind numerous unresolved pockets of resistance, many very extensive in size. Moreover, communications are never good behind an advance of this nature, involving 500 miles. They were made worse by German destruction. There comes a time, therefore, when the pace must slacken. The advancing divisions must be given a chance to rqst while communication troops are sorted out. Southern Flank Threat. A further incentive toward a halt was introduced by the gradual uncovering of the Carpathian flank, behind which strong German forces still lurk. It is well that this flank is receiving attention so that when the advance resumes this flank will be masked. The masking process is taking i>lace now in the opertions reported from the junction of t.hc Vistula and the San River near Sando. mierz. A further reason for the halt is that Hitler decided to augment his defence in the east along the line of the Vistula, which represents the last really satisfactory defence area befofe German territory is reached. As regard East Prussia, most maps do not give the geographical lay-out in sufficient detail. The southern borderland of this German State is fringed with an upland of lakes and marshes. It is difficult country in which to, conduct military operations of na offensive nature. There is an eastern gateway west of Kaunas about 80 miles wide flanked by vast forests. This gateway has been heavily defended by the Germans, even if improvised. The only other approach is from the west, involving a flank march of 150 miles, round the area of the lakes. A striking force breaking into East Prussia is thus required to be far larger than the area itself suggests.There are signs that the Russian distribution and build-up is reaching a stage where further dramatic moves may again occur. As regards the ultimate result there is little doubt. The Germans are pouring in reserves which, when ground down Iby vastly superior Russian forces, will have no backing. In fact, the German strategy is very similar to that in France—a thick defensive crust with comparatively weak forces behind.