The Gisborne Herald. WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED “THE TIMES.” GISBORNE, MONDAY, JAN. 13, 1941. THE WAR IN EUROPE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20452, 13 January 1941, Page 4

The Gisborne Herald. WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED “THE TIMES.” GISBORNE, MONDAY, JAN. 13, 1941. THE WAR IN EUROPE

It is a matter for comment that the war which started in northern Europe and for a long time was confined to that part of the world is now being waged almost everywhere but there It would be a mistake to assume, however, that the last has been heard of developments in this sphere—or even that conditions there are as quiescent as they might appear—for the one thing that has characterised this war from the outset has been the constant change of scene. Latterly, all interest has been focused .on the operations against the Italians in Libya and Greece, where, for the first time .in land operations in this conflict, the enemy has been compelled to retreat. It is in these theatres that there is the greatest action at the moment, but it is not only here that the Allies are taking the offensive. Indeed, it is a significant point that may not generally be realised that the Allies at present are on the offensive everywhere. It is not only in the Middle East that they have taken the initiative, but also in the air war against Germany and Italy and in the continuous operations of the Royal Navy which keeps, enemy shipping off the seas. Here there is a striking contrast to the early months of the war, when the Allies, caught unprepared, were on the defensive at all points and in every sphere. The change is largely symbolic to the change in Allied preparation for war.

It would be of interest to know exactly what is the position of the outwardly peaceful continent of Europe under the .so-styled new order of the Axis. That there is real peace in any continental country may be doubted. It would be inconsistent with the national character of the peoples concerned were they to submit tamely and without protest to the domination which has been thrust upon them. Latterly there have been increasing reports of unrest and resentment, and although it would be unwise to attach too much credence to them, the factor of civil strife may become an important one before the present winter is ended. 11 must be remembered that Holland and Belgium arc still at war with Germany, ft is certain that Poland and Czechoslovakia have not taken kindly or easily to the Nazi yoke. From Norway come persistent reports of strong opposition to the German puppet regime and it may be assumed that Denmark is not a great deal more contented. In another direction, there Js continued unrest in Rumania, while fill the other Balkan countries livfe in a state of uncertainty and hardly in harmony with the Axis Powers. Each and all of these countries have suffered intensely through no fault of their own. Having been ravaged and pillaged by the Germans, they are now suffering from the blockade which inevitably includes them in their grip. Whatever the actual position, the conditions provide a splendid breeding ground for revolt.

Then there is France, that great misguided country which believed that peace could be secured by capitulation. The truth about France, too, is obscure, but enough is known to make

ftjrr:" -*•••• it clear that her people arc enduring sufferings which can be only slightly less than tho=e caused by actual war. Fpr them there is the added tragedy that the so-called peace lias availed them little, if anything, and the bitterness of the knowledge that the ally they so basely deserted is lighting on 1o victory alone. History may show that the defection of France was a blessing in disguise to Britain since it awakened her to a realisation of the gravity of the struggle and enabled her to concentrate her aback on the enemy and her defence on herself. What might have been the position to-day had it been necessary to continue to defend France is a matter for speculation. The outstanding’lesson which France has provided, however, is that there can be no peace by surrender and no honourable armistice. Once having laid down her arms, France becomes another puppet of the Axis. There has been a good deal of talk in recent weeks of French resistance to German demands, but such talk is idle, because the truth is that France is not in a position to resist. Whatever terms may have been offered to her will be binding only so long as it suits Germany to abide by them. Then comes the question of what is likely to happen in Europe. The only thing that is certain is that Germany cannot continue 1o tolerate the present position of stalemate. In effect, the whole of Europe is at war and Germany, far from gaining anything from it. is being gradually undermined by it and is constantly threatened with a major upheaval at any one of many points. The peoples of the continent are now enduring all the hardships of a second winter at war. and it is not without significance that these winters are among the worst in living memory. How long will they continue to endure these conditions when there is nothing to compensate for them, no feats of arms with which they can be morally sustained, and nothing to hold out any promise of future triumphs or ultimate victory? In these circumstances, Germany must make a move somewhere. however slight may be the prospects of success. She is being driven gradually to the adoption of a policy of desperation and she may choose one of several possible courses. She may go to the direct aid of hexstricken partner, Italy, or may drive through Rumania and Bulgaria to give Greece a stab in the back. She may find a pretext to renew the war against France, or may even venture an invasion of Britain. Certain it is, however, that she will strike soon, not so much because she wants to but because she cannot afford not to.