Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1942. NEED FOR OPTIMISM.

Greymouth Evening Star, 12 February 1942, Page 4

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1942. NEED FOR OPTIMISM.

IN the earlier stages of the war, the phrase “ wishful thinking” was frequently used, the danger of this sort of self-hypnotism being stressed. It is unfortunate that such a mental process is without merit, as it would prove a considerable asset to the Allies at the present juncture. Each day brings news of a depressing nature from practically every theatre of Avar, and there is a. steadily-increasing strain placed upon optimism, while the virtue of patience is being similarly tested. So far, the Japanese have had matters practically all their own way in the Pacific, and have achieved important successes, the outcome of their command of the sea and air. The situation at Singapore hourly becomes more critical, the lack of aerial forces placing the defenders at a vital | disadvantage. The gallant stand i being made in the Philippines by I General MacArthur and his Am'erican and Filipino troops is practically the only serious stumblingblock so far placed in the path of the enemy, in spite of their great numerical superiority. In Libya, the “come-back” made by Marshal von Rommel was a serious blow to Allied hopes, particularly after the previous victories gained there over the Axis forces. However, any tendency to a despondent mood should be firmly resisted. “Rome was not built in a day.” and neither Rome, Berlin, I nor Tokio can be destroyed quickly. A long-term view of the war 'will give ground for confidence, ■any comparison between the rei spective resources in manpower and material of the Allies and the Axis being definitely in favour of the defenders of democracy. The Allied strength is growing, slowly but surely, while that of Hitler and his satellites is suffering a tremendous drain. The arrival of United States naval forces at Wellington is an encouraging development for Australia and New Zealand.

Outstanding, at present, are the momentous changes taking place in Russia. When it is remembered that, only a short time ago, the fall of Moscow appeared to be imminent, and the fate of the Red

Armies apparently hung in the | balance, the turning of the tables is a striking demonstration of Soviet potver. The Russian advance in the south, although not yet so extensive as on the other fronts, is nevertheless a growing menace to the Nazis, and promises to interfere seriously with their

programme for a Spring offensive, and a drive on the Caucasus in an effort to secure much-needed oil supplies. Here, again, there is a danger of “wishful thinking,” it being admitted that the Soviet successes, great as they are, have not yet brought about a state of affairs threatening immediate disaster to the German armies. Hence, the urgent appeals made by Sir Stafford Cripps and others, for the sending of all possible supplies of war material to Russia, to replace losses and to build up resources essential in order to meet the expected Spring offensive. It is obvious, considering the largescale nature of the fighting in the past few months, that the Soviet has paid heavily in men and material for the success achieved. The needs of Britain and the United States in munitions for their own use are great, but they must exert themselves to the limit to help Russia. It would be a tragedy indeed if, for lack of such assistance, she were to lose what has been gained at such cost. Meanwhile, the fact remains that, although there is as yet nothing to suggest a rout, the Germans are being thrust back under conditions in which no excuse can be made on grounds of military expediency. For once, Hitler’s goosesteppers are out of step, and it is to be hoped that the Russians will be strong enough to keep them so.