INVASION PLANS

Grey River Argus, 13 May 1944, Page 5

INVASION PLANS

CIVIL AFFAIRS DIVISION In Allied Army LAus. & N.Z. Press Assn.] LONDON, May 11.

A military correspondent stated: A new section of General Eisenhower’s Supreme 'Headquarters, Allied Expeditionary Force, has been formed to help Continental Europe back on its feet. It is named “Civil alfairs,” and it is a Staff Division, several thousand strong, made up oi highly qualified officers and enlisted, men of American. British and 'Canadian forces. Its military title is “G 5 and its task is unparalleled in military history. In the coming invasion of Europe? its job will be: Firstly, in the liberated areas, to assist and advise tne national governments in restoring normal civilian life and to represent to restored governments the views on civil affairs of the Supreme Commander; secondly, in Germany, to establish a military government to administer civil affairs in those areas which fall within the responsibility of the Supreme Commander during the period of military occupation. The correspondent says that tins newly-created force, for which the personnel has been training for many months in secret in special schools in Britain and the United States, will not only plav a very important part in the operations in Europe, but aiso in the settlement of Europe after the operations are ended. It will make a valuable contribution towards preventing another war. Manifold and complex problems will confront tne men at the head of G 5, but they are well equipped to meet them. These soldier diplomats have been big business men, college presidents, professors, governors, mayors, journalists, doctors and lawyers. They have been trained as soldiers. • ror they will accompany combat forces. Before the invasion each detachment of officers' and men will be told what village, town, city or area is its destination. All available information about the place will be given them, so that when the detachment arrives the men will know the names of the local officials, where they live, the location of police stations and other useful facts.

The mission of the Civil Aft airs detachments is identical with that ot any other branch of the armed forces —to help bring the war to a successful conclusion. They will see that civilian problems do not interfere with the "operations of tactical units and will mobilise civilian resources to aid the Allies. Civilian wishes will be met as far as the operations permit. Theirs will be a military control—a very different thing from military government or A.M.G.O.T, as it is called, in Italy. Military control will continue only as long as tne operations make it essential. General Eisenhower’s policy is to restore these countries to their own chosen governments at the earliest possible opportunity. Civilians in the liberated countries will have their own local authorities and tne civil courts will continue to hear their civil cases. Supplies will be one ot the thorniest questions. Food has been stored in readiness in Britain, the United States and Canada, bur shipping and transport must be looked upon as a priority fox* the military operations. The difference between G 5 and U.N.R.R.A. is roughly that G 5 will be responsible fox’ a military period, while U.N.R.R.A. will gradually merge in afterwards, taking over, without any embarrassing halt, where G 5 leaves off In Germany the work and policy of G 5 will be totally different There they will exercise .complete domination and control in the form ot a military government, it will not be called A.M.G.0.T., but its working will be similar. In short, the situation in Germany will be commaria instead of advice and agreement. “Ihe Nazis will be removed as soon as tne Allies enter. This will inevitably mean a great gap in the ranks of the public and civil servants directing civil administrate!!. Replacement will be difficult, but it’ is hoped w find many public servants who have become membei’s of the Nazi Baity only for expediency’s sake, in order to hold down their jobs and live. Officials of this kind, where found io be genuine, will be allowed to continue temporarily in their jobs, but there will be a most searching investigation to prove beyond any shadow of doubt where their sympathise lie.

GERMAN PLANS.

COUNTER-ATTACK HINTED.

LONDON, May 11

A counter-attack against England will be launched the moment the Allies start the l invasion, says the Ixirin Fascist newspaper, “La Stampa. ’ Another Fascist paper, “La Nazione oi Florence, says that Rommel nas a complete offensive plan which will operate when Eisenhower attacks tne Continent. “The plan will carry the war to the heart of England. Paratroops are training for the occasion. Another report stated: In Western Europe, relationship between Rommel and Von Rondstedt is not quite clear, but it seems that while Ronastedt’ is the senior commander, Rommel acts in an advisory capacity throughout the whole. West European defensive area.