Decisive Stage of African Battle

Manawatu Times, Volume 68, Issue 57, 9 March 1943, Page 5

Decisive Stage of African Battle

Received Tuesday, 10.15 p.m. NEW YORK, Mar. 7. Rommel disdains territorial gains ana only seeks to keep the Allies on the defensive, knowing that once he is beaten, the great continental offensive can be mounted, says the New York Times’ correspondent in North Africa. The most dangerous phase of the German delaying action opened with Rommel’s attack against the Eighth Army just when General Montgomery was preparing his offensive. | It is estimated that at least 300 Axis tanks and the cream of the German artillery and infantry were rushea southward to win time for the strengthening of the Axis fortifications in Southern Europe. If Rommel this time succeeds, the Allied plans for a general attack must be postponed for at least six weeks. S Even the most pessimistic Allied observers realise that Rommel’s situation Is impossible and that he will be driven from Africa sooner or later, but right now it seems later. When Rommel’s attempt to cross the Kasserine Bass failed, he was able to withdraw with losses believed to be trifling compared with the Allies. Indeed, Rommel captured more tanks than he lost, consequently the Allied forces on the central ( front were temporarily exhausted ana useless for offensive purposes. After this, Rommel flung the Tenth Armoured Division and at least 13 infantry divisions northward against the British positions, inflicting very severe casualties and forcing us to shelve at i least temporarily all ideas of an attack in that area. The correspondent considers that General Montgomery will check Rommel, but doubts if the Eighth Army will be able to launch an imediate counteroffensive. Probably Rommel, after breaking off the action with Montgomery, will withdraw northward for another crack at the First Army.”