German Policy In West Desert Appears Defensive

Northern Advocate, 17 November 1941, Page 5

German Policy In West Desert Appears Defensive

(Rcc. 3 p.m.) LONDON. Nov. IG. The flow of supplies from Britain to America for the Imperial Army in the Middle East is running smoothly, says “The Times” correspondent in the Western Desert. As a result of the annihilation of convoys and the persistent heavy pounding of communications it is hoped Germany has been unable greatly to reinforce her troops since the indecisive clash of last June. British communications have been comparatively free from attack. Surprise is always possible with the Germans, but German activities tend to confirm the view that their policy at present is defensive. Present Front The German front consists of a fixed line of positions running approximately from Solium, along the edge of the escarpment to Hellfire Pass, then turning south-west as far as Sidi Omar. This line has been fortified continuously in the past few months. The Middle East Command has a formidable air force, which, it is believed, is as strong as and certainly more active than the combined Italian and German air forces. The Germans possess an efficient fighter force, but not many bombers. Such bombing as the Germans undertake is generally made from Crete and Greece. The British forces are probably numerically superior in tanks and guns, but the question of superiority is complicated by questions of fire power. The British have an advantage in footholds on enemy territory, which offer possibilities either for attack or defence—Tobruk, which is holding down several divisions of Italians, and Jarabub.