A REVIEW

Hokitika Guardian, 4 December 1940, Page 6

A REVIEW

-OF WAR OUTLOOK. . BY LONDON ‘TIMES/’ (Per British Official \\.reless.) RUGBY, Dec. 2 “Die Times” has an editorial headed “The Italian Defeat.” This takes a most favourable view of the out,ook. It says : “The Greek victories’ are ho flash in the pan. Ihe Greek Army continues to advance. The port of Santi Qaranuta must cea*o to be used lot supply, and Valoha, prbhubly, has brieh rendered useless, leaving the" e Kerry to rely on Dufaw-m and on what value he can extract from the roadstead of San Fioifailm Di Medua. It would not be a Surprise if, within the next few! days, the Italians were to abandon southern Albania altogether, perhaps down to the line of the Shkuigi River, flows through. Elbasan west ward to the Adriatic. If that were to happen, it is not inconceivable that Santi Quarrinta should, be used to supply the Greek Army on its western flank. Opportunities toi British naval and air action foreseen 1 in- the eVrint of Italy launching air attack on Greece have not proved illusory. 'lt is to a stout hearted defence and dashing counter-offensive by the Greek Army that we owe greater advantages, including fighter airfields on Greek soil, which we, are now employing to so much effect The thorny have been severely shaken. Every fresh blow inflicted will add to his discouragement and' perturbation.

“On the other hand, a courtUrstroke 1 by an Italian armoured division in the cOastal belt of Albania might have a very strong effect, and might supply a fillip to Italian confidence. Lightly as the Greek soknot marches, even he requires Hues ui communication. This proolem is ' m>: which can ho solved only by the man on the spot. Geiuial Papagos das the reputation of being prudent as veil as energetic. He can be feued on to weigh his action with care, and at the same time not to miss - opportunities. It may be taken granted that the Italian. CdVriiuafivl v. ill take most- strenuous efforts to ltpaTi* the serious, setb’a'fek' to Italian plans, and damage to prestige “The German redaction is more difficult to assess. Opinions vary as to whether Herr Hitler will strike in the Balkans’ or will await the Spring, and, meanwhile, accentuate h.s attacks upon 'Britain, in the hope of preventing us' c oding any fiYrther powot fin reinforcements to the Middle Bast, the rate at which We 'reinforce in the Middle East is, to a great extent, determined by ch.shipping available, and it is against cur shipping and our ports that Getmariy’V heaviest blows'; are being new directed. It proviaes-va- due to possibly German policy k “Wc must be ready in ease Herr Hitler should decide to’ strike harder at this country during the next three ■i'f four months.”