GRAND COMMAND

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 21633, 9 February 1945, Page 3

GRAND COMMAND

LIKELY OUTCOME THREE MAJOR POWERS

COMBINED OFFENSIVES LONDON, Feb. 7

“For the first time in this war detailed military staff arrangements are being made between the three Powers," says Reuter’s military correspondent. ''lt is highly significant that the three Chiefs of Staff should be meeting when the Russian offensive is in full swing, and the Western offensive may be imminent. “The references in the communique to ‘joint military preparations' and the intention to ‘concert plans’ suggest that preparations are concluded for a Supreme British-American-Russian command for the Battle of Germany. The Black Sea conference will probably only decide the grand strategy, leaving the details for a later meeting, although the personnel of the new organisation is probably fixed.

“As a result of the conference, certain changes and re-grouping of Allied forces in the West may be made. The phrasing of the communique also suggests that the next phase of the Soviet offensive may be accompanied by an all-out attack from the West.”