ROMMEL'S AIMS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21065, 9 April 1943, Page 3

ROMMEL'S AIMS

DELAYING TACTICS SUCCESSION OF STANDS EIGHTH ARMY'S TRIUMPH (British Official Wireless.) (Noon) RUGBY, April 7. General Rommel is expected to do his utmost to make another stand soon, however temporary, to draw breath after his two successive lightning defeats. The enemy will, in particular, wish to gain time to lay the extensive minefields necessary to cover the northward retreat. The possibility of a stand on a 15-mile front between the coast at Cekhira and the salt marsh at Sebkret El Noual is foreseen. The inland flank in that position; however, is by no means secure, with the Americans just behind it east of Maknassi. A succession of such stands on any possible position is probable as the Eighth Army advances into central Tunisia, though the enemy is not expected to be able to make a further determined resistance until the country south-east of Kairouan, where the hills reach the sea, is gained. The enemy’s plan obviously is to multiply the occasions on which, with the assistance of difficult country, he can compel the British to organise new tactics. Although no position is likely by itself to hold up General Montgomery for long, each stand contributes to the enemy’s aim ol keeping the Allies fighting in Africa until as late in the year as possible. The stupendous efforts of the pursuers to frustrate this aim are widely appreciated. The breaking of resistance at the Wadi Akarit only eight days alim the victory on the Mareth Line h plainly a remarkable feat of suppl) and determination which could only be achieved by first-class troops under first-class commanders. Tnt number of prisoners taken on both occasions shows that they were no mere rearguard actions, but unque:, tionably defeats of the enemy main body in, southern Tunisia. The Times says that the aim of the Allied land and air force will now be to destroy as much of the enemy’s army as possible before it reaches natural defensive positions north c Sousse and then to ensure that its stay there is short.