Trickery Will Only Infuriate N.Z. Troops

Northern Advocate, 23 May 1941, Page 5

Trickery Will Only Infuriate N.Z. Troops

-FRASER (Rec. 10.30 a.m.) LONDON, May 22. The Prime .Minister of New Zealand (Mr Fraser), who is visiting the Middle East, said the use by the Germans of New Zealand uniforms would serve only to infuriate the New Zealand troops, and encourage them to fight to the last to exterminate soldiers who would resort to such tricks. The Dominion troops, Mr Fraser added, would do everything in their power to drive the Germans from Greek territory.

Enemy Lose Heavily Reports from Crete show that the Germans have suffered heavy casualties. British, New Zealand and Greek troops have been busy rounding up the enemy. The report of a German naval landing is not correct, although the enemy has attempted to land from small boats.

It can now be revealed that General Freyberg was aware of the imminence of a German attack at least as early as last Friday. On that day two German airmen who were shot down near Crete told the Cretan authorities that a major attack would be launched against th(e island within 48 hours. The necessary countermeasures were immediately taken. Must Be Quick

“The Times” says the situation in Crete is apparently in hand, but that does not imply that the Germans have not established comparatively strong detachments at certain points. The Germans. It is supposed, count on completing the subjugation of Crete, or at least assuring final success, in three or four days. To drag it out longer would invoke the problem of ammunition and food supply, which would be very difficult without the aid of shipping.

“The question whether we shall be able to afford the troops the benefit of fighter aircraft is vital,” says “The Times.” “With a measure of air support especially fighter support the chances seem strongly in favour of the defence.

"The task of holding Crete without air support would be more difficult although even then it would not be insuperable.’ A British Official Wireless says, quoting from “The Times,” that it is generally realised that the German attack on Crete is only in the preliminary stages.

Analysing the probable German plan, “The Times” gives warning that defeat would be a heavy blow to German prestige, and says: “There would seem to be two alternatives open to the attacker: He must carry through the whole operation by air alone, or he must obtain a hold upon a stretch of coast suitable to the purpose and sufficient in extent for the subsequent disembarkation of seaborne troops during the hours of darkness.

“The second alternative is the more probable. To attack by means of the first would be necessary to seize a landing ground with such an area of country' around it that relays of troop-carriers could arrive in comparative safety and immune from any ground action except long-range fire. . Large Area To Cover.

“The British air fields would have to be captured or neutralised by bombing so that the defence would be forced to rely on air suppoi-t from Egypt, or aircraft-carriers —although this would apply equally to the other alternative put forward. “To conquer the whole 3000 square miles of this big island by air-borne troops alone would necessitate the transport of a force of considerable size, and that force would also have to be supplied from the air. “These considerations suggest the likelihood of a bold attempt to open up sea communications as speedily as possible in order to make use of the shipping in. the Greek harbours and in the Dodecanese for the purposes of supporting, reinforcing and maintaining in the field the aerial advance guard.

Where Navy Comes In.

“There, however, the enemy comes up against the Navy. The Mediterranean Fleet might not be able to intercept every vessel which attempted to make the passage, and it would have to fight off some of the heaviest air attacks to which it has yet been subjected, but there can be little doubt that it would welcome the prospect of any such attemped operation.”