The Northern Advocate "NORTHLAND FIRST” Registered for transmission through the post as a Newspaper THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 1942. Caucasus And Solomons

Northern Advocate, 13 August 1942, Page 2

The Northern Advocate "NORTHLAND FIRST” Registered for transmission through the post as a Newspaper THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 1942. Caucasus And Solomons

THE future course of-the war is being beaten out on two anvils at the present moment. In what shape the beating will leave the finished product only time can reveal. In Russia, the struggle has clearly reached a stage when dramatic ‘developments may be expected. In the 'extreme south the Germans are apparently advancing at substantial speed. They have to all intents and purposes arrived at the northern Caucasian oilfields, which, judging by the Russians’ scorched earth policy at Maikop, where wells have been fired, are not likely to provide the enemy with much coveted petrol. This advance, especially in view of reports that passageways across the mountain ranges have been secured by the Germans, cannot be regarded as other than most serious. But there is to be perceived a slight ray of hope that the Russians may, after all, have been retreating in accordance with prearranged plans, for a stand is being made before Stalingrad and on the Volga at important points. This suggests that von Bock has run a big risk in making his terrific rush towards the Caucasus. Unless lie can find a way by which to take a large army over the mountain ranges which stretch in an almost unbroken chain from Novorossisk, on the Black Sea, and Baku, on the Caspian Sea, the German commander may meet disaster. Apparently, there are only two highways between northern and southern Caucasia. One is on the western flank and the other on the eastern flank of the mountain ranges. .It is agreed that neither of these could carry a large army. While the situation is undeniably precarious, it is not unreasonable to expect more cheerful news from the Russian front.

In the Pacific, secrecy still hides the actual position resultant upon the American attack on Japanese positions in the Solomon Islands. There is evidence that the attack is of a major nature, for it is stated that 50 warships and 100 transports are being employed by the United Nations. Marines, supported by United States troops, are reported to have gained a footing on Tulagi island, and, it is believed, on Gaudalcanal, further to the west. American official comment is guarded, but, while it is expected that losses will not be light, there is an implication that the United Nations’ forces are progressing towards their objective. Truly history is being shaped on anvils in south-east Russia and the south-west Pacific.