The Times WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 1943. Tunisia Proves Difficult

Manawatu Times, Volume 68, Issue 58, 10 March 1943, Page 4

The Times WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 1943. Tunisia Proves Difficult

Now that four months have passed since the Allied landing in North Africa there may be felt some disappointment that the task of clearing the Axis from the southern seaboard of the Mediterranean is still not accomplished; Particularly so in tho light of the brilliant achievement of the Eighth Army which has brought it to the southern defences of that country. The possibilities of criticism might, it must bo frankly admitted, be increased by the fact of an American general, comparatively inexperienced, being in charge of operations, with authority over the experienced and successful leaders Alexander and Montgomery, not to mention equally high-rating and proven British air chief's. Good taste and good sense have kept any such criticism out of the news so far. Actually it would be totally unfair to place any blame upon our American allies or their leadership, or upon our new-found French allies, for the comparative stalemate seen in this campaign to date. The occupation of Tunisia is not easy.

In November last, following the successful and almost unopposed landing in Algeria, the Allied forces very nearly grasped Tunisia in a swift onrush. It was touch and go who "got there first, Allies or Axis. The Germans just .managed to head us off, and once in gained all the advantage of a shorter supply route than ours. They have since poured in picked troops, reinforced by the remains of Rommel’s army from Libya. The Allied forces advancing on the northern section of the country from Algeria were inexperienced troops, i.e., they had no previous training under fire. There had then to ensue a waiting time until the Eighth Army could enter the south. During this period the enemy consolidated its position and now occupies an area almost as large as that of the North Island, some 300 miles long from north to south and averaging about 100 miles broad. He stands in the centre of a ring around which are grouped three main Allied forces on a semi-eircle of 500 miles. The remainder of the circle is sea coast, the Gulf of Tripoli.

The three Allied armies attacking Tunisia possess one grave disadvantage in that they hold very poor communications ■with one another. The enemy possesses the advantage of being able to move his forces much more conveniently and rapidly. Hence there is need for considerable caution on the part of the Allied generals. Mistaken sti’ategy might result in one of these armies having to meet a quite superior enemy force and then suffer heavy defeat. It would be a very grave mutter to allow undue haste to get the better of caution. Then would the Tunisian campaign he possibly prolonged for many more months. As it is, there is good reason for confidence that in a very short time the Axis will.be thrown out of its last African stronghold.

“Han Summer”

Weather such as that enjoyed these past few days and at this season of the year is known throughout America as “Indian summer.” There, in the more orderly weather found in great continents as compared with small islands like New Zealand, the season moves in stately progress. From the great heat of midsummer there comes in September (the equal to our March) a pleasant cooling-off with the sun still bright and the air balmy—a period of*little wind and rare storms—altogether delightful weather.

Here in Manawatu, we have “enjoyed” a most extraordinary summer. The early portion was good, if anything over-dry, and then in February (considered usually the best month of the year) there was almost continual rain. Now there has been promise of something better and, although the disappointing run of the past six weeks does little to encouraf e optimism, it would be reasonable to look forward to a pleasant close to the good weather. From experience we have come to expect any sort of weather at all, at any time of tho year. It is quite possible that wo may have a prolonged spell of really beautiful weather. Very much it is to be hoped so that the sun may refresh our spirits and build up bodily wellbeing to face the winter.

A Sound Idea

The Feilding Agriclltural High Sehool is to be congratulated upon its enterprise in establishing a “Social Services Bureau.” By application thereto, the people of Feilding can secure the services of pupils of the school for gardening, lawn-cutting and hedge clipping, the taking of messages and the care of small children. Presumably there will be reasonable charges made for the services given, but no person would begrudge that.

The enterprise is to be commended for two main reasons. One is that it will inculcate a working spirit in the pupils of the school—a sense of being useful members of the community. The other is that there is here provided a very real aid to hard-pressed citizens during a time when this was never more needful.