Greymouth Evening Star. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1942. NEXT FRONTS.

Greymouth Evening Star, 20 October 1942, Page 4

Greymouth Evening Star. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1942. NEXT FRONTS.

IN the multitude of comments and predictions regarding the battle in the Solomons area, can be found encouragement, or despair, according to choice, but the wise will await the official narratives, meanwhile. Admittedly, things do not look too good on the surface, but there is really little news on which to base judgment. Col. Knox and Admiral Nimitz have expressed confidence in the final issue, and so far as lias been revealed, their optimism appears to be well-based. The U.S.A, could lose this particular battle, and come again, whereas if the .Japanese are defeated, they are done for. Even should the Japanese regain Guadalcanal, they would have much to do before seriously menacing New Caledonia, Australia and New Zealand.

Meanwhile, most of the speeches in other parts of the world, whether from friend or foe, deal with the expected Allies’ offensives in Europe, Africa and Asia. Goebbels’ latest speech to the Nazis was in keeping with the recent German ’less aggressive tone, lie rebuked his compatriots for grumbling, and generally was apologetic to them for not having finished the war ere this, in accordance with Hitler’s promises. He admitted the aerial force was inadequate, and generally gave the lie to his opening statement that the Nazis were content with the course of the war. It is certain that none of the belligerents could truthfully claim such satisfaction, and if the Germans have most of the gains, so far, they will find it increasingly difficult to retain these. Their'losses will remain, and increase.

The brightest spot in the Allies’ picture is the increasing strength thrown into the common struggle by the U.S.A., whose forces are to be found in every area, where conflict is likely. The arrival, of the U.S.A, army in Liberia is significant. Troops are not sent across the ocean for the journey’s sake, and the latest move should minimise the possibility of the Axis seizing Dakar, and other French African possessions. Where the Allies propose Io strike is known only to the tew leaders, but somewhere in Africa appears to be the favourite tip. The Axis attacks on Malta are designed to hinder the Eighth Army and to assist Rommel, and it is gratifying that the Axis plane crashes last week were so heavy. Not that the loss of 100 or so planes is severely felt in that area, but the fact that Malta, is so costly to attack, and gives no sign of surrender, must be causing the Axis strategists con siderable anxiety.

The lull iu Egypt cannot last much longer, and it is probable that General Smuts’ visit to London is partly in connection with the situation in Africa, North. South, East and West, all of which, are menaced by the enemy. Fighting in Europe must dwindle as the Winter approaches, and efforts will be turned to warmer Asia and Africa. With AVavell attacking in Burma, and Alexander in Egypt, the whole situation might soon be changed. The Pacific area is secondary in importance to these other fronts, lor the time being, at least, whatever may be considered to the contrary by those menaced by the Japanese thrust. Meanwhile, it is comforting to realise that Anglo-U.S.A. production in ships, planes and arms, is reaching mammoth figures, and that the combined man-power is also in keeping.