CRISIS THIS SUMMER

Grey River Argus, 12 May 1943, Page 5

CRISIS THIS SUMMER

Germany Still Strong

VIEWS OF U.S. CORRESPONDENT. (Rec. 10.40.) NEW YORK. May 11. The “New York Times’s” correspondent, Mr. Hanson Baldwin, in the first of a series 'of articles based on a recent tour of the European war theatres, says:— “Germany is badly hurt, but is still strong, and the World faces another Summer of major crisis which will determine the war’s duration and cost . The Tunisian campaign represents not only the end of the beginning. but the first great Anglo-Ameri-can: victory in Europe. “Contrary to the popular American impression, the victory is primarily British, but Tunisia, although a great victory, has been costly and time-consuming, delaying for montns the land invasion of Europe. Although Germany as been weakened by the strain of manpower and a relative decline in the Luftwaffe, the Summer may witness another ‘March 1918.’ A German offensive, probably against Russia, may possibly be paralleled by a Japanese blow somewhere in the Pacific. Germany will also intensify her U-boat warfare, but new Allied devices and methods and more escort ships and planes should reduce sinkings before the winter.”

Summarising the composite opinions of the many United Nations’ military and political leaders io whom he talked,' Mr. Baldwin voices the opinion that Germany has lost the war but the United Nations have not yet won it. The enemv is still able to throw into the battle the largest, and certainly the most experienced and most competent army in the world. Hitler may have abandoned the hope of total victory, but the German army and people are fighting on strongly and desperately, and enemy leaders hope for a limited victory, or at least a stalemate. Mr. Baldwin was amazed by the problems the Allies have solved and the production and supply miracles they have achieved. The troops aje raw. and have courage and loyalty, but are disappointed at our past combat operations, the present state of preparations for the trials ahead, and the lack of progress in creating efficient United Nations’ war . machinery. Mr' Baldwin summarises his other impressions thus: Firstly, the most optimistic Allied leaders believe that Germany may crack this Autumn, and the majority think that victory is possible in 1944 or 1945. Secondly, American troops are not yet m the same league as the German, and the American Air Force is not yet experienced enough to get the most from the material, but combat losses are sharply in its favour. Its bombing heavily weighs the scales m the war in the Mediterranean and Western Europe. .