SECOND FRONT

Grey River Argus, 31 October 1942, Page 5

SECOND FRONT

New U.S. Speculation GENERAL’S RETURN FROM BRITAIN. (Rec. 10.20) WASHINGTON, Oct 29. The Associated Press of America states: It is reliably reported that General Eisenhower as returning to Washington within a week for important consultations. His , return i reviving speculation as to a second front. AMERICAN COMMENT. ) NEiW YORK, October '2B. “P.M’s.” military commentator says: Stalin and Soviet officials always realised, that Britain and the United States were not committed to opening a second front in Continental Europe in 1942, but they have not corrected the impression widely held by the Russian people that the Allied leaders made such a promise. ■ A high-ranking official in Washington, in a position to know the feelings and temper of the Russian people, made this explanation, and cleared up most of the confusion and misunderstanding with a lucid picture of what the Russian people want first and foremost, a second front in Europe. Even a smashing success in Egypt would not be enough unless it leads to a Continental invasion, possibly via Italy. Premier Stalin accepted Mr Churchill’s explanation why a second front at present was impossible, but most Russian people believed the inaction was due to British errors in over-estimating German strength in France and the Low Countries. This source declared that Mr Churchill’s visit to Russia considerably lessened the British-Russian tension. The most encouraging note in the statement by this important figure is the declaration of confidence that the Russian people will continue to resist the Nazi invaders. Stalingrad will hold through the Winter, and the Germans will not capture either Groznyi or the Baku oil. Mr Roosevelt has officially refused Mrs Roosevelt permission, to visit Russia, at the conclusion of her trip to England on the grounds that anything she might say there would be regarded as a Presidential commitment, according to the New York “Daily News’s” Washington cobrespondejjt.

WHITEHALL AND PARADE.

LONDON, October 29.

One of the most interesting behind-the-scenes battles alt Whitehall known, for a year, raged about the participation of members of the services in the' parade on November 7, commemorating 'the anniversary of the establishment of the Soviet Government, says the “Daily Express.” A committee arranged a big meeting in a London hall, after which M. Maisky was to take the salute at the march past. The Coldstream Guards’ Band was to lead the procession, in which representative units of the British Services would march. Then the organisers received a curt letter from a War Office official withdrawing permission for Army personnel to participate. Influential persons protested to Mr Eden, Sir S. Cripps, and Sir J Grigg. The War Office explained • the needs of the Armv must come first,” but did not explain why Permission was given and then withdrawn . Another War Office official wrote in more diplomatic terms, but maintaining the ban. More pressure was put 'on the Government to override the ban. A big row in Parliament loomed up. The Government thereupon ..-reversed the War Office ban, and now the Band and Army personnel will march. The committee included the Archbishop of Canterbury, inter-denominational church leaders, representatives of the Trades Union Congress, Mr Llovd George and two Conservative M’s.P. Four thousand organisations are participating.