Europe’s Invasion Now At Hand

Northern Advocate, 21 August 1943, Page 3

Europe’s Invasion Now At Hand

(Rec. 11.45 a.m.l LONDON. Aug. 20 The whole of Western and Northern France is reported to be in a state of extreme tension at the prospect of an Allied invasion. Organised underEound groups are awaiting Allied ndings when they will operate against the Axis from within. Paris radio says that all Frenchmen in possession of arms have been granted a four-day amnesty for their surrender, by German occupation authorities and Vichy Government.

A joint statement issued by the Germans and Vichy says: “It is known that a great number of Frenchmen still possess all kinds of arms which have not been surrendered because of the fear of consequences. It is also known that extensive arms dumps exist throughout France. Any person who reports the whereabouts of these dumps will be immune from prosecution. Allied planes have repeatedly dropped war material over France. We urge the public to hand over weapons before August 24. otherwise they may be sentenced to death." This Weekend? Berlin radio, quoting a message from Stockholm, says: “It is stated that invasion is impendng, not only of Italy but also on a large front in Western Europe. Some reports even assert that instructions have already been given for all-round operations against Europe this weekend.” Reuters'military correspondent says That the capture of the Aeolian Islands is the shadow of coming events, just as the seizure of Panteilaria was a prelude to the invasion of Sicily. Occupation of the islands maj be regarded as a preliminary to any landings on the Italian coast. “There are rapidly multiplying signs that the hour of invasion of Continental Europe is at hand and the Allied High Command has given the ’go ahead ’ order to massive amphibious forces poised to strike at Germany’a western flank.” says the Associated Press. Timing and co-ordination ot the many complex factors involved in such a gigantic operation are regarded as the principal aspects of the war under consideration by the High Command. It is believed that the High Command has definitely decided i against trying to win the war primarily by strategical bombing. The impression prevails in Quebec that one ol' the problems before President Roosevelt and Mr Churchill has been to speed up invasion preparations and to take advantage of the military predicament that the* Germans are placed in by the Red Army. The belief is that Italy will be but one of several assaults in the next few weeks if it is right to expect that the main blow will be delivered from England at Europe's northern coast.

Another conference task is to name a commander for the European area. Speculation on this revolves around General Alexander, and General Montgomery may be chosen for an offensive from India against Burma. First News Will Be Action President Roosevelt and Mr Churchill are developing plans to "bomb, burn, and ruthlessly destroy the people responsible for creating this war,” the British Minister lor Information 'Mr Brendan Bracken) told the Press. He added: "1 think the war is going well indeed, but it will last a long time and will be very hard. When we have rounded up Mr Hitler, the whole might of the British Empire will be given over to the task of dealing with the Japanese who are ruthless, savage people.” Mr Bracken emphasised that Britain intends to exact the most exemplary punishment from Japan. “We intend to use every ounce of strength we have against Japan—as you know we have some good sailors and accomplished bomber crews.” Mr Bracken declared: “This is not an ordinary conference,” and added: “Military decisions of vital importance are in the making in the citadel where two leaders are conferring on a round-the-clock basis.” Mr Bracken warned correspondents not to expect real factual information “from the two oysters in the citadel.”

However, the time is coming when Hitler, Tojo and their tribe of gangsters will get news from Quebec. The news will come from the men in the citadel, through their generals, admirals, air-marshals and leading fierce fighting forces—-then and then only will it be reported in the Press,