GERMANY'S STRATEGY

Evening Post, Volume CXXIX, Issue 18, 22 January 1940, Page 7

GERMANY'S STRATEGY

MUST BE DECIDED SOON

IMPORTANCE OF SPRING

WAR'S EFFECTS FELT

APPARENT ALTERNATIVES IN THE WEST

(By Telegraph—Press/ Association—Copyright.) (Received January 22, 9 a.m.) . NEW YORK, January 21., The Berlin correspondent of the "New York times," Mr. Tolischus, says that Herr Hitler is confronted ever more urgently with the fateful question whether to attack, or not to attack and that the answer must be given soon. It is generally acknowledged, he says, that unless he attacks by the spring it will be too late to attack at all. Until he springs the Germans believe they hold the military superiority, after which the Allies will equalise. Germany's military tradition, arid also the domestic and international situation, favours Herr Hitler's view of a quick, smashing blow in the west, which none of his generals will accept on their own responsibility. ' On the other hand, the British tradition is a war of endurance in which domination of the seas and superior economic resources cohipensate for inferior military numbers. If Germany is forced to bow to "the British strategy and permits Britain to gain initial victory despite seven years of German military, economic, and ideological preparations, Germany's position can scarcely improve with the duration of the war.

The Germans are visibly registering the effects of the -war more rapidly than in the last war, whereas the Allies are still approaching the peak of their strength.

Should Herr Hitler decide on an attack in the west three strategics are possible:' i 1. A paralysing air attack on Britain is only possible if Germany is able to provide speedy pursuit planes and escort bombers, of which she has few at present. 2. A direct invasion is possible only if Germany controls the Channel ports to Calais, which is difficult unless Belgium and Holland are overrun.

3. A direct attack on the Maginot Line in an effort to bleed France ■white.; ; ■ ■",;■. ■'■ •.■ ■'■■■■'■". '\ -■ ''■' .;''■•: