SHORT OF ARMS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20637, 18 August 1941, Page 7

SHORT OF ARMS

AXIS IN LIBYA SUPPLIES DISLOCATED BRITISH NEED TANKS (Elec. Tel. Copyright—Unitod Press Assn.) (Reed. Aug. 16, 2 p.m.) LONDON, Aug. 15. The German adventure in Russia has not entirely cut off Axis supplies to the Western Desert, but the prisoners taken recently show evidence that there is a shortage of weapons among the Axis forces, says a special correspondent in the Western Desert. The Italians complain bitterly that they are often half-starved and are seldom properly equipped, although the Germans are well feci. Apparently there has been some disorganisation of Axis supplies, probably due partly to the concentration of effort against Russia, but the vigorous and constant action of the British Navy and Royal Air Force against enemy convoys has had a marked effect. The enemy recently tried to overcome the difficulties by using Bardia as an unloading point, although only 50 miles from the most advanced British troops. One ship entered Bardia, but the immediate action of Royal Air Force bombers forced it hastily to steam off without unloading. The- enemy is still better equipped than our men. The question of the supply of arms is still supreme in the Western Desert strategy. It is revealed that the German tanks outnumbered ours by nearly two to one in the last major engagement two months ago. Since then new tanks have arrived from Britain in increasing numbers. American tanks have also arrived. The Germans presumably have received a few reinforcements. Recently the enemy were chary of tank engagements, suggesting that their superiority in this respect is precarious.