Germans Hard Pressed On Three Main Fronts

Manawatu Times, Volume 68, Issue 205, 30 August 1943, Page 5

Germans Hard Pressed On Three Main Fronts

HITLER BANKING ON SPLIT AMONG UNITED NATIONS RUGBY, Aug. 27. “The Germans are hard pressed on the three main fronts in Russia, but • uere was a time when they thought their blitzkrieg methods would win Kem a quick victory,” said the British Minister of Information (Mr. Brendan Bracken) In New York to-day, explaining one of tbe war’s most intriguing mysteries, namely the arrival of Hitler’s lieutenant, Hess, In England la 1941. Mr. Bracken told reporters that Hess had really believed he would And Quislings eo anxious for peace that they would pueh out the Government, leaving Hitler free to attack Russia. Hess expected that when he gave us ths glittering secret of the attack on Russia, Mr. Churchill would be forced out. Hess was a Nazi of very low mentality, continued Mr. Bracken. Be just babbled Like the usual Nasi stooge, highly excited and altogether foolish, and not a grain of sense could be got out of him. The Duke of Hamilton, a gallant young airman, was completely dated when Hess lauded on hie estate, said Mr. Bracken. Mr. Bracken issued a warning that Hitler still had a formidable army in Russia. Be believed that Hitler knew he could not win the war militarily, but he hoped to sow disunion among tbe United Nations and thus escape by political means the consequences of bis brutal aggression. Mr. Bracken added that he was confident that a ThreePower Conference, including Russia, would be arranged. Mr. Bracken expressed the opinion that Hitler knows that from a military point of view he cannot win the war but politically he was a man of great cunning. He probably felt that he could divide the United Nations through political action and escape the consequences.

Asked if he was optimistic regarding the possibilities of a conference between Britain, America and Russia, Mr. Bracken replied in the affirmative. Asked about a second front, Mr. Bracken said: “We are anxious to take the strain off Russia as quickly as possible. We realise the vast sacrifices the Russians have made and we think that at almost any cost we must do our best to take the load off the Russians’ shoulders.” Will Finish off Italy

The French Committee of National Liberation was doing admirable work, and, he said, the Allies were definitely going to finish off Italy, but this would not deter them from cultivating campaigns in other parts of Europe. He believed that Badoglio was anxious to get Italy out of ths war because the longer it lasted the more onerous it would become. ”1 wouldn’t like to insure that country,” be said.