ATTACK OR NOT

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20151, 22 January 1940, Page 7

ATTACK OR NOT

HITLER’S DILEMMA MUST DECIDE SOON U.S. JOURNALIST’S VIEW NAZIS SHOWING STRAIN POSSIBLE ALTERNATIVES (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Reed, Jan. 22, 11 a.n>.) NEW YORK, Jan. 21. The New York Times’ correspondent, in a message from Berlin, says that Hitler is confronted with the ever more urgent and fateful question: To attack or not attack. The answer must be given soon. It is generally acknowledged that unless he attacks by the spring it will be too late to attack at all. Until the spring, the Germans believe that they can hold military superiority, but thereafter the Allies will equalise the position. Germany’s military tradition and also the domestic and international situation favour Herr Hitler’s view of a quick smashing blow to the west, which none of the generals will accept on their own responsibility. On the contrary, the British tradition is war endurance, in which domination of seas and superior economic resources compensate for inferior military numbers. Allies Grow Stronger If Germany is forced to bow to British strategy and permits Britain an initial victory, despite seven years of military, economic, and ideological preparations, Germany’s position will scarcely improve with the duration of the war. The Germans are visibly registering the effects of the war more rapidly than in the last war, whereas the Allies are still approaching the peak of their strength.

Should Herr Hitler decide on a westward attack, three strategies are possible, firstly, a paralysing air attack on Britain, which will only be possible if Germany is able to provide speedy pursuit planes and escort bombers, of which she has few at present; secondly, a direct invasion, possible only if she controls the Channel ports to Calais, which will be difficult unless Belgium and Holland are over-run; and, thirdly, a direct attack on the Maginot Line in an effort to bleed France white.