Prospects Of Early Victory Discounted

Northern Advocate, 29 September 1943, Page 2

Prospects Of Early Victory Discounted

Washington, Sept. 28

The German High Command aban-! doned hope of victory several months ago when it drastically reduced bomber production and concentrated on fighters, declared the Deputy Chief of Staff (Lieut.-General McNarney) addressing a conference of industrialists, and he added that the Germans, are prepared for a savage, bloody struggle, hoping thereby to avoid the penalties of defeat by forcing a stalemate.

Lieut.-General McNarney said that the air offensive had been a powerful factor in softening the enemy,: but Allied losses had been heavy.

The Assistant Chief of Staff for Military Intelligence (Major-General George Strong) said that Germany now has thrice the number of combat divisions in the field as when she attacked Poland. Major-General Strong added that Japanese resources were also tremendous. He discounted heavily any likelihood of an early collapse of either Germany or Japan. Luftwaffe Now Stronger

Major-General Strong revealed that] information collected by military intelligence showed that the Luftwaffe! was now larger than in 1939, despitej heavy losses. Moreover, the Germans had 300 well-trained divisions. 60 of: which were re-equipped or raised inj 1943. Each division has approximate-! ly 600 machine-guns, and 300 heavier! weapons. The Japanese still have! 2,000,000 men of military age not called to the colours because so far they have not been needed, in addition to the same number in the 17-20; age group who are not yet subject to draft. j

Japanese air strength is on the upgrade, both numerically and in quality, added Major-General Strong.