Greymouth Evening Star. MONDAY, APRIL 12, 1943. GAIN AND LOSS.

Greymouth Evening Star, 12 April 1943, Page 4

Greymouth Evening Star. MONDAY, APRIL 12, 1943. GAIN AND LOSS.

*J*HE news from Tunisia continues to be encouraging, the capture of Sfax demonstrating how fast Rommel is moving, with the Eighth Army in close touch. With the U.S.A.-French forces in the centre and the First Army in the North also pressing the foe, there is greater cause for optimism than has existed since the Allies landed in Algiers. So far, Rommel has succeeded in extricating the bulk of his army, and, in this, has frustrated Montgomery’s objective, but Rommel is gradually being forced in a position where fight must replace flight. There is no reasonable doubt of the issue.

Elation at the Allies’ gains on land, sea and air, will be accompanied by realisation that the price has to be paid. Already, the re-appearance of lengthy casualty lists has begun, giving the tragic intimation that New Zealanders, who share in the glories of the Eighth Army’s successes, also share in the cost. Some consolation will be available from the fact that in this war, greater care is taken by British commanders of human life. General Montgomery’s insistence on careful preparation for attack may slow the proceedings, but it gives the troops under his command every chance of safety possible under the circumstances. So far nothing like the Somme, or Passchendaele has occurred, and care of the wounded has been greatly improved.

Nearer home, New Zealand lives have been lost, and other casualties sustained, by the sinking of the corvette Moa, during last week’s Japanese bombing of shipping off Guadalcanal. The action was more costly to the Allies than the first messages suggested, and should emphasise the serious risks daily faced in the Pacific area by Dominion servicemen. Little publicity is forthcoming, but the people at home should not forget that their present safety and comfort are due to these defenders with their Allied colleagues. New Zealand

is wise not to give way to “nerves” regarding' the Pacific possibilities, but should not go to the other extreme of apathy, indifference, and ingratitude. There must come a day when major clashes develop against the Japanese, and thousands of New Zealanders are preparing to play their part in what must be a tragic conflict.

The Allies have cause for rejoicing in the increasing superiority in the air that is being demonstrated on most fronts of the global Avar. Here again, a heavy price is being paid, the number of bombers lost over Germany and occupied territory becoming serious. It is for the authorities to decide whether the results of. the R.A.B. bombings are worth the cost. Some of the claims regarding factory and transport destruction appear to be unduly optimistic. The Allied pressure will increase with the better weather, and U.S.A, participation in the raids is having important effects. The bombing of U-boat bases has not been followed by a lessening of Üboat activities, which continue to be menace No. 1. It is difficult to estimate the real position, but from what little is revealed of Allied losses at sea, and on some fronts on land, it is apparent that much has to be achieved before the Avar will be won; Happily, the prospects keep bright, but there is no Allied leader who predicts an early conclusion. It is well to remember this, particularly in a country so removed from the Avar’s worst consequences as is New Zealand.