STALEMATE IN LIBYA

Greymouth Evening Star, 16 February 1942, Page 5

STALEMATE IN LIBYA

REINFORCEMENTS AWAITED

LONDON, February 15. “The almost complete cessation of large-scale activity in Libya is causing mystification,” reports the Cairo correspondent of “The Times.” “The Germans originally gave the appearance of intending to drive to the Egyptian frontier, and then suddenly halted without an important action. “There has been scarcely any change in the situation for 11 days. It is believed that Marshal von Rommel is experiencing difficulty in getting supplies and reinforcements sufficient to tackle the British forces facing him. Marshal von Rommel certainly got reinforcements into Tripolitania, but it is a long way from Tripoli to Derna, and intervening points like Benghazi are at present almost useless. “The question might be raised: If the enemy is not too strong, why do not the British counter-attack?’ The answer is probably that we also are not strong enough. Both commanders probably realise the futility of driving backwards and forwards across useless territory, weakening their forces and causing casualties without profit and leaving them too weak for a determined advance. Marshal von Rommel is likely to be ready first because it is more difficult for the British to bring up reinforcements.” BRITISH AERIAL SUCCESS LONDON, February 15. A considerable movement of enemy transport and armoured vehicles was observed yesterday east of the line between El Tmimi and Kekili. German and Italian aircraft attempted to cover the movement by low-level attacks on British land patrols, which were harassing the enemy’s land forces. However, British aircraft attacked and almost wiped out an enemy force of 30 fighters and bombers.