THE KHARKOV REVERSE

Evening Post, Volume CXXXV, Issue 65, 18 March 1943, Page 5

THE KHARKOV REVERSE

GRAVE VIEW TAKEN IN LONDON

LONDON, March 17. A grave view i_! taken in London of the Russian reverse at Kharkov. Whereas a month ago there was reason to hope that the Soviet could effect another Stalingrad, the entire picture has altered. It is considered that while the early thaw has had much to do with the situation, there is also evidence that Hitler's "intuition" has been pensioned off, and that the very efficient German General Staff has been unhampered in retrieving the position. It is regarded as too early yet to estimate how events will go, but it is recognised that Russia will need every bit of Allied aid she can receive this summer, when further big and bloody battles are expected. Though it is believed that Hitler is not so active hi directing the campaign, well-informed circles in London pay scant heed to rumours regarding his health. It is pointed out that he has had long, sUent periods previously which were broken when fresh moves were launched. If, indeed, the rumours are proved to be true, it would not affect the Germans' war aim in the slightest. Even if Hitler were dead, he. would be probably raised to sainthood and further capitalised.