The Northern Advocate "NORTHLAND FIRST" Registered for transmission through the post as a Newspaper. SATURDAY. AUGUST 21. 1943. ANOTHER MOMENTOUS WEEK.

Northern Advocate, 21 August 1943, Page 2

The Northern Advocate "NORTHLAND FIRST" Registered for transmission through the post as a Newspaper. SATURDAY. AUGUST 21. 1943. ANOTHER MOMENTOUS WEEK.

ANOTHER momentous week, ill lilt* history of the war'has to be recorded. While it would 'be unwarranted to suggest that events have brought the end of the war in sight, it is safe to say the United Nations have considerably improved their general position. Activity has continued on land, in the air and on the sea. with encouraging results so tar as the Allies are concerned. Simultaneously, there have been in progress great councils of war, from which it is predicted new and startling moves by the fighting nations will be made in the near future. Much is expected of the Quebec conference of Mr. (’hurt-hill *tjid President Roosevelt, and rhe heads 0.1 Ilie sei\?ce:->. Apait from actual movements on the chequer-board of war, it is cloiu to everybody who has followed international relationships that much attention must have been paid to the realm of diplomacy by the leaders assembled at Quebec. _ It is not desirable that these discussions should be given publicity, but it is to be hoped that those most intimately concerned will have been able to demonstrate the existence of real unity of thought and action. As an outcome of the Quebec conference and statements made by Genera) Eisenhower and other leaders, there has been created an impression that another front is about to be established in Europe, dust how, or where, or when this is to be effected remains a secret which the Axis leaders would dearly like to unlock. , General Eisenhower broadcast hi terms which would naturally lead the French to believe a cross-Channel invasion of their country is about to be attempted. Unrest and general revolutionary spirit have become so prominent in Denmark, and Holland and' Belgium have become so outspoken, that the suggestion of an invasion of France, or of some portion of the western coast of. Europe, is given greater weight All these developments are distinctly interesting, even though they may not justify the hopes born of wishful thinking, helped by the success of the United Nations m completing the occupation of Sicily this week and the sensational successes of the Russians on a long front. _ The enemy’s loss of Sicily was a big feature ol tne weeks news. Although a considerable number of Gormans managed to cross the narrow strait of Messina, which was a disappointment to the Allies, the Axis not only suffered overwhelming military defeat, but was compelled to leave all heavy guns and equipment, some of which is no doubt being used against southern Italy, which is being very severely strafed. The loss of Sicily, the terrific bombing of cities vital to Italy s war effort, and the hopelessness of the whole outlook have caused widespread rioting and demonstrations to force the Badoglio Government to sue for peace. As we write. Italian negotiations to obtain an armistice me reported to have begun. Early suricndei ma\ be expected. The successes of the Russians are astounding. Their summer offensive has served to show both the Germans ancMhe world that tremendous reserve forces have been held by Stalin until the arrival ol zero hour. Epoch-making news has come from lhe I acme. Victories on the sea and in the air have been of a character to cheer New Zealanders while at the same time shortening the road Jhe United Nations must travel.