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Hokitika Guardian, 20 May 1940, Page 4

Thu phase of the war now at its greatest speed } indicates the attempt of Herr Hitler t> reach an early decision if possible. To secure an advantage he has descended to various forms of treachery and trickery outside the ordinary rules of warfare. He had broken many such rules before, but in his desperation it is evident he will adopt all possible means to gain victory. In the first onslaught because of his tact os, lie gained certain advantages and has put the Allies definitely on the defensive. But in his advance he lias lengthened his lines of commun'cation, and further from his base supplies he is hampered greatly. But the Allies are responding tenaciously. Tne air arm has developed into a machine capable of doing great damage to communication and lines of supply, apart from other sudden "Visitations to defensive objectives. On top of that the Allied command realises the momentous issue at stake, and the ’leaders are inspiring their men with the full reality of the situation. The Belgians, at very short not'ce, are putting up a strong defence, and have support from the British troops. The combined force is doing all possible to delay the enemy. The French in cht Sedan region, are bearing the brunt of the attack,, and are imbued with the importance of their t"sk. The best General is in charge, and they ere meeting the mechanised onslaughts with marked resistance. The aerial defence is terrific in that it is constant, , and largely aggressive. By day and night, definite excursions arc made, and reports go to show that their dangerous tasks are carried through with every 'credit. The Gerjinan attack in its suddenness and aggregate organisation, discloses a definite plan. The aim is to get roun'i the main Maginot Line and debauch on a wide front on France. The foothold in the Ardennes province is fairly substantial, and the danger therefrom is fully realised. French reinforcements are going up, and a more consolidated defence should now be possible. While the AJlies are able to harass the arriving German reinforce- ' merits, it is not clear that the Germans are doing likewise. The barrage of French and British planes on the West Front seems to have the superiority. This is definitely a material advantage. The great waste the enemy is risking in men, machines and mun'/’ions in that theatre of the war, show how anxious the command is to gain the upper hand. The Allies are more determined than ever to resist the advance, and so this great clash pregnant with great possibilities, continues.