ALLIED STRATEGY

Evening Star, Issue 24081, 30 December 1941, Page 3

ALLIED STRATEGY

WASHINGTON CONFERENCES COMPLETE AGREEMENT EXPECTED (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, Dec. 28. . In Britain widespread attention is focused on the proceedings of the Allied war conferences in Washington and Moscow, which are expected to produce an agreement between the Great Powers and their associates on the prosecution of the war throughout the world. The vital importance of a fundamental agreement on strategy is recognised as being essential for the most successful distribution of the sup plies at the Allies’ disposal, particularly during the present period before American production is fully appreciated. Before any major decisions have been taken in Washington heavy defeats have already been inflicted on the Gormans in Russia and on the combined Axis forces in North Africa achievements which evidently owe much to the prior decisions to reinforce both the Russians and the Allied armies in Egypt, even at the temporary expense of Far Eastern defence. A new phase is now opening on both fronts. By capturing Kaluga and neighbouring towns the victorious Russian armies have crushed the German hopes of stabilising a shortened line during the winter. At the same moment General Sir Claude Auchinleck, having inflicted heavy losses on enemy armoured forces and infantry and ' reached the western end of Cyrenaica, is now in a position to jeopardise the whole Axis position in the rest of North Africa. Attention has nevertheless already been fixed on the prospects of successfully defending the Far East against Japanese inroads, which, it is felt, must he the immediate preoccupation of Allied statesmen and the staffs in Washington. MILITARY OBJECTIVES JAPANESE WAR AIMS (Rec. 8 a.m.) NEW YORK, Dec. 28. The Tokio radio states that a War Office spokesman announced that the Japanese forces would not consider their actions in any way restricted by such unilateral announcements as the American declaration that Manila was an open city, and will proceed to carry out their war objectives. He said that Japanese actions, however, will be “ limited strictly to attacks on military objectives, and nothing will he done even remotely resembling the American massacre of innocent Japanese nationals shortly before the Japanese occupied Davao.” PRISONERS OF JAPANESE (Rec. 8 a.m.) NEW YORK, Dec. 28. According to the Tokio radio the Government is establishing a bureau for the supervision of war prisoners and informing the nations and families involved. HR CHURCHILL’S MISSION ARRIVAL IK CANADA LONDON, December 29. Mr Churchill arrived on Canadian soil this morning, en route to Ottawa. Mr Mackenzie King is returning with him. RETURNING TO U.S.A. (ißoc.-12.20 p.m.) OTTAWA. Dec. 29. Mr Churchill is returning to Washington after his Canadian visit. M. STALIN INVITED TO WASHINGTON NEW YORK, Dec. 28. The radio commentators, Messrs Pearson and Allen, broadcasting, said that President Roosevelt has asked M. Stalin to visit Washington. They said he had sent an invitation through M. Litvinov. They also said that the British in the earlier stages of the Allied conference, believed that the primary war effort should be concentrated in the Atlantic. Subsequently, however, it was decided that while they would continue all-put aid to Russia equal aid must be given in the south-west Pacific, and that Singapore and the Netherlands East Indies must be held at all costs. SABOTAGE ATTEMPTED DISCOVERY IN PHILADELPHIA (Rec. 8 a.m.) PHILADELPHIA, December 29. The police discovered five bombs, high explosive and incendiary, under a bridge pier in the harbour. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is making inquiries. BOMBING RAIDS R.A.F. OVER GERMANY (British Official Wireless.) (Rec. 11.5 a.m.) RUGBY, Dec. 29. An Air Ministry communique recording the attacks on Germany last night adds that other targets attacked include the docks at Dunkirk and enemy aerodromes in Holland. Coastal Command aircraft made attacks on enemy shipping during the night. Off the Dutch coast two ships were hit with bombs. Fighter Command aircraft on a night offensive patrol attacked aerodromes and other targets in occupied France and Holland. ‘ From these operations seven aircraft of the Bomber Command are missing. _____