SLOW PERIOD JUST NOW

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 16, 20 January 1944, Page 5

SLOW PERIOD JUST NOW

MEDITERRANEAN FRONT RUGBY, January 1& Generals Eisenhower, Clark, and Maitland Wilson have all spoken oi the pressure that is being kept up on the Germans in the Mediterranean theatre as part of the whole strategy

of the war against Germany. General Eisenhower observed that the present time was one of those "low points" which necessarily came between great strategic strokes. Before such strokes could be made it took many months to build up forces and supplies on the immense scale required. During the slow periods, however, the Allies could at any rate keep up their pressure and dominate the enemy in the field, which was a most important factor in war. Even though the Allies were not advancing 20 miles a day, they had accomplished enough, and their achievements needed no apology and very little explanation. General Clark, speaking about the battle of the Rapido River, said that fierce resistance aided by bad weather had given the Germans ample time to fortify the Rapido Line. Nevertheless, it was being reduced by stages, in. which the French were contributing valuably by' a turning movement from St. Elia northward. Further progress was not likely to be fast, even with, good weather. The commanding ground on both sides of the Liri valley ruled out any idea of a rush towards Rome, but better opportunities for tanks would be afforded after Cassino had been passed. General Wilson has also pointed out that the terrain would become more favourable beyond the Rapido. COMING GENERAL ASSAULT. "The Allied forces in the Mediterranean are preparing for a general assault against Europe along the entire front from southern France to the Aegean," said General Wilson in an interview with the "New York Times" Algiers correspondent, Cyrus Sulzberger. "Plans for the co-ordination of this offensive with those promised from east and west were completed at Teheran, and no essential alterations have been made since in the London discussions." The correspondent says General Wilson scoffed at the idea that the Mediterranean theatre had been relegated to secondary importance. Praising the savage fight of the Yugoslav guerrillas, he said: "We are going to aid them to the best of our ability. At present the weather impedes the transport of supplies by land, and constant cloud hampers flying. However, the spring will greatly improve the facilities."—B.OW.