The Gisborne Herald. WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED “THE TIMES” GISBORNE, WEDNESDAY, DEC. 24. 1941. DIRECTING THE WAR

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20647, 24 December 1941, Page 4

The Gisborne Herald. WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED “THE TIMES” GISBORNE, WEDNESDAY, DEC. 24. 1941. DIRECTING THE WAR

While the war is proceeding on three major fronts —in Russia, Libya and the Pacific—with a good deal of activity on each, pride of place in the news of the past day or two is given to the actions of the leaders of the two opposing groups of Powers. Mr. Churchill is suddenly reported to have arrived in Washington for the purpose of conferring with President Roosevelt, while Herr Hitler, with equal suddenness, has announced his assumption of the command of the German army. Both of these developments are significant. It was expected, of course, that some steps should be taken to unify and co-ordinate the command of the forces opposed to the Axis, but that Mr. Churchill should cross the Atlantic, presumably by air. must have taken most people by surprise. Close contact between the Allied leaders, however, is an obvious move at the present critical juncture, for there is an apparent need for unified command and co-ordinated direction of the forces engaged in the various theatres of war. The outcome of the discussions is not a matter for conjecture. It can be taken for granted that all the forces available will be allotted a definite role and that they will be placed under the command of the most competent leaders. When these things have been done effective results can be expected. The developments in high quarters in Berlin come within a different category. It has been well said that it is better to change generals before a battle rather than after, and this saying sums up the contrast between the moves of the Allies and their enemies. As a preliminary to the coming battle in the Pacific—and so far there have been little more than skirmishes—the leaders of the Powers concerned are to confer, lay down a policy, and appoint the commanders to carry it out. This is the only wise procedure. On the other hand, Hitler, having fought his battle in Russia and been repulsed, if not defeated, decides to displace his military leader and assume command himself. Whatever the real reason for this decision it will inevitably be interpreted as a means of providing a scapegoat. Hitler, of course, is the supreme commander of all the German forces and is personally accorded the full credit for any successes that are achieved. It would never do, however, for him to have to accept the blame for any failures and it thus becomes necessary to select, someone to carry the responsibility for the debacle on the Russian front. What Hitler may have overlooked is that, having now taken command of the army himself; he will have no scapegoat for any future disasters. With the situation in Russia more or less stabilised to the Allied advantage through the advent of winter and with the Pacific conflict still in the preliminary stages, the campaign in Libya, now at its height, naturally commands a good deal of attention. It is now seen that little of the criticism which res ilted from the set-back at the opening of the campaign was justified. Once having overcome the initial enemy resistance the Imperial forces have moved

forward from one success to another, and although the battle is not yet won there is good ground for saying that the issue is no longer in doubt. iThe Allied forces have moved through Libya with amazing speed and there is hope, even yet, that the objective of “Benghazi by Christmas” will be achieved. Much as it might have been desired that they should be “in at the death,” there will be a good deal of consolation that the New Zealanders are now out of the line. Just how magnificent a part they have played in this campaign has yet to be fully revealed, but enough is known to indicate that they have earned a full share of the laurels. Their task for the time being is accomplished and they are now having a well-earned rest before being called upon for fresh effort. It is gratifying that a respite should be granted to them just at this season of the year. CHRISTMAS It is a seeming paradox that in the present state of the world Christmas, the festival of peace and goodwill on earth, should be observed more or less as usual. With the greater part of the world involved in the most bitter and widespread war of history it is not easy for thoughts to turn to peace, even though the war itself should more than ever create the desire and emphasise the need for peace. The fact that Christmas is observed even in the midst of war, however, can be iregarded as evidence that the fundamentals of civilisation still exist. Always, Christmas has held out the promise of better things, and that promise, no matter what the immediate conditions might be, still holds good. Amidst all the changes that have taken place in the world, amidst the strife of a world-wide war and the grief that is inevitably attendant upon it, the celebration of Christmas, the symbol of peace, survives and, like the Christian faith of which it is such a fundamental part, continues to conquer the tyranny of time. So it is that even in the circumstances of to-day Christmas should be observed as a reminder that wars are transient things, the evils of civilisation, while the spirit of peace, though obscured at times, will indubitably shine again with increased strength. This is the third Christmas during which the world has been at war, and it is only natural that the anniversary should, to some extent, be regarded as a period for measuring the progress of the war. Since last Christmas the war has been more and more extended and the year that has passed has brought the conflict and its consequences much nearer to New Zealand. Last Christmas the people of New Zealand had yet to experience the shock and the grief of long and seemingly endless casualty lists. In the meantime, the war has been brought home to them in Greece, in Crete, and now in Libya. Their sons have paid dearly in the cause for which they fight, but they have paid ungrudgingly because, underlying the immediate motives, is the knowledge that unless and until this war is won peace and goodwill on earth, the things for which Christmas stands, can never be enjoyed to the full. And now, with the advent of another Christmas, the war and its attendant dangers moves yet nearer to these shores. The more imminent threat, however, should serve only to make the people more resolute in the task they have set themselves and more determined to see it through. Let this Christmas, t then, be more than ever the symbol of the things for which we strive and the hope that before the anniversary comes again there will, indeed, be peace on earth and goodwill towards men.