ALLIED MIGHT GROWS

Ellesmere Guardian, Volume LXII, Issue 19, 11 March 1941, Page 1

ALLIED MIGHT GROWS

FAR-FLYING OPERATIONS

THIS YEAR

BIG ARMS DRIVE

Militarily, 1941 is expected to see steady development and a vast accretion of Allied strength, but the most optimistic in the highest quarters do not predict that the war will be brought to a decisive stage this year, writes the London military correspondent of the "Sydney Morning Herald."

Many important naval, military, and aerial operations, however, are certain to have a vital influence.

As their strength accumulates, the Allies will have greater opportunities for initiative and offensive. All newspape.rs reviewing 1940 agree that the British Empire is standing on the threshold of a year which may well determine the course of world history for generations to come. Britain's three main problems—manpower, supply, and production—are being tackled in more and more business-like manner. It is suggested that the Prime Minister, Mr Churchill, will shortly announce important changes as a prelude to the biggest production drive of the war, probably estab-, lishing a Ministry of War Production, with wider powers and greater authority than the Production Council of Mr Arthur Greenwood (Minister without Portfolio).

Looking forward to success in arms after our peak strength has been achieved, commentators take comfort that a year of bitter adversity has ended with a perceptible feeling of buoyancy and confidence. They recall that at no period between June and September could we have hoped to arrive at the turn of the year having parried an invasion and torpedoed the alternative Italian push in the East.

The fact that we are not submerged and are facing the threat of invasion with calm confidence, is calculated to bring a happier, if

still strenuous, new year. It is realised that adversity is the foundation on which British victory is built, and success comes through the offensive.

Sacrifices Ahead With firm, unshakable courage, the British people have dug in their toes for a supreme, sustained effort. They are harbouring no illusions about the magnitude of. the task ahead, and many more sacrifices will be grimly accepted. Although almost every family in the kingdom already has a representative in one or other of the services, more and more adults will be roped in for various activities in connexion with the war effort, notably for "roof-spotting." It is recognised that it is the people's war, and that the enemy is at the gates, and there is a job for everybody.

The uncomplaining heroism of the Navy, dispersed over wide and wintry oceans, the gallantry and dash of the Air Force, the superb elan of the Empire forces in Libya, and the . Greeks' relentless - offensive have all whipped up the British people's spirit. It is widely appreciated that the enormous mechanised army still "contained" in Britain by the invasion threat will have its turn.

The following highlights of the general strategic situation indicate the manifold tasks which are being tackled, and which must be tackled even more sternly as the growing resources permit.

First, the Royal Navy and Air Force have their hands full combating submarines and surface raiders.

The dramatic stories from the E'mira castaways, which were given prominence in London dailies, tell of fresh dangers in the Pacific. It is hoped that the Royal Navy may soon be strengthened by another 50 American destroyers.

Secondly, the concentration of the R.A.F. on bombing German- occupied invasion ports leads to the view that a real invasion threat persists as it did in September, when the R.A.F. caused damage to barge concentrations. The military correspondent of "The Times" says that probably Hitler will not abandon the prospect of destroying this country by direct assault.

Blows at Ports The R.A.F. is devoting considerable attention to Meringnac and other aerodromes in the Bordeaux region, whence large four-engined planes have been ranging out in Collaboration with U-boats, intent on the destruction of our shipping and the severing of the Atlantic trade routes. Military authorities hope that the superior skill of the R.A.F. personnel and the superior quality of their aircraft will enable them soon to reduce our ship? ping losses and eventually kill the menace. .

"The Times," in an editorial, referring to Hitler's insolent proclamation to the Nazi Party, states that Hitler would have preferred to conquer the world without having to fight for it, and he hoped by overwhelming military force to convince the world in advance of the hopelessness of resistance to his am-

It was Britain's achievement in 1940 to have demonstrated that resistance was not hopeless nor senseless. As 1941 opened the consciousness was beginning to dawn throughout the world, among Germany's allies, -and even in Germany itself, that Hitler had unloosed "this senseless war" for his own destruction.