Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE SATURDAY, MARCH 29, 1941. A GOOD WEEK.

Greymouth Evening Star, 29 March 1941, Page 6

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE SATURDAY, MARCH 29, 1941. A GOOD WEEK.

ynE Empire was at prayer at the beginning of this week, petitioning'for success over the Axis. Within a few clays, the war situation dramatically changed. Jugoslavia has overthrown those who would) have betrayed the national. 'liberties and rights to the Germans, and has joined those defending the • freedom of • Democracy. In Africa, Keren and Harrar have fallen to the British. In the Atlantic, the British Navy is slowly assuming supremacy, and in the air, Britain has been little molested, the R.A.F. tshowmg the greater offensive against

German centres. Altogether;

good week foi’ the Allies’ cause, with the promise df much better things to come.

? The mistake must not be made of regarding the war as already as good as won. Jugoslavia’s turning to Britain, however, is of immense importance, as if the pact with the Axis had been ratified, Anglo-Greek difficulties would have much increased. The geographical situation of Jugoslavia makes that country a key centre. Jugoslav control of several hundred miles of the Danube will seriously interfere with the transport of goods from Rumania and the Black Sea ports, to Germany. Greece in a safer position with a friendly Jugoslavia on the flank, and the strength of the Allied forces may now be utilised in an offensive, if thought desfvable. Jugoslavia’s determination will influence Turkish, and perhaps

Russian policy. Reports Hearne soon that Germany had issued an ultimatum to Jugoslavia, but it is unlikely that’ this threat will make General Simovitch and his colleagues reconsider their decision. They realised they would have to fight the Germans, but they are unafraid. The better equipment of the invaders is offset by territorial and other advantages possessed by the defenders, who have been promised “all possible aid” from Britain and U.S.A. History may repeat itself. In the 1914-18 war, the Serbs were the first attacked and had to yield land and retreat. It is possible that something similar may occur in the early stages' of this campaign, but,, eventually, the enemy must be halted, and Jugoslavia will share in the Allies’ final victory. The fact that Jugoslav Army chiefs decided to join the Democracies is evidence of their opinion that Hitler cannot win the war, a belief that is becoming widespread.

The victories in Africa were more or less expected, and if overshadowed by tire . ments in the Balkans, are of real importance. Asmara and Addis Ababa are now the only two large towns'to be captured, and it is a question of time. It would be gratifying if the campaign could be completed before the rains set in, but, in any event, the Italian empire. in North Africa has been lost to Mussolini. Conjectures will, be raised as to whether large forces will be now sent from Africa to Greece and her neighbourhood. The Spring offensive will soon be launched, and historic events will take place. The struggle may be severe and the cost heavy, but there is added cause for confidence that complete victory aivaits the Democracies.