NEXT ENEMY MOVE

Grey River Argus, 9 January 1941, Page 5

NEXT ENEMY MOVE

LONDON SPECULATION. May be Delayed BALKAN UNCERTAINTY, (British Official jVirelessi (Received January 8, 5.5 p.m.) RUGBY, January 7. The Nazi propaganda machine das been busy recently in spreading a smoke-screen rumour that there must inevitably be the discussion of preparations for new moves, which may be proceeding behind the screen. In this, it is not overlooked that a curtain of conflicting reports may serve as useful, to hide perplexities and indecision, which, in a totalitarian regime the infallible leader cannot admit. The curtain, on th? other hand, may serve to conceal a premeditated criminal assault, or to mislead each of its possible victims. There is no doubt that the Axis prestige/ has suffered very badly in south-eastern Europe in consequence •of the severe reverses sustained by the Italian forces. It is a characteristic Nazi tactic to seek to make good’prestige by fostering, a vague sense of menace. This relation in the propaganda scheme between Italy’s failures and Germany’s threats is revealed in one line taken by the Nazis. It suggests that rhe British success at Bardia is overshadowed by the reports of impending events in the Balkans, while these, in turn, take second place to the expectation of a direct attack on Britain. This particular campaign has now reached a familiar phase ol every Nazi propaganda eye’e. and yesterday Berlin began expressing aggrieved surprise. Regarding Bulgaria, it is asserted that the German attitude is based on th e trad tional friendship between these two countries, but there was added a comment of sinister import that no information could be given of “the details of the co-operation” with Sofia. A large part of Europ? has learnt, to its cost, in the last year, what “cooperation” with the Nazi regime may imply. The evidence available in London doe s not permit the observers tc draw any definite conclusions as to the Nazi intentions. Herr Hitler’s need for some spectacular stroke to distract attention and reassure opinion i s certainly much greater than when Mr. Churchill pointed to It before Christmas as one of the principal factors in the situation. On the other hand, the Nazis must be aware of many disadvantages of embarking upon new adventures in South-Eastern Europe at the present moment.

As to’the great gamble of an attempt to invade Bi*tain, any set-back to German arms—which in other circumstances might be covered up or explained away—coming now on top of the Italian reverses, might be so serious in effect on the morale °f the German people as to give Herr Hitler special cause to renew his hesitation. . Observers in London incline, therefore, to the view that German initiative ma v well, for the present, b e limited to exploiting to the utmost the pressure which they are able to exert, on the weaker States in south-east Europe