COMMENT ON WAR

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 78, 9 February 1943, Page 5

COMMENT ON WAR

CONFIDENCE IN PRESENT

POSITION AIR OF EXPECTANCY IN BRITAIN CONDITIONS IN GERMANY AND ITALY (Rec. 10.30 a.m.) London, Feb. 8. Mr Churchill’s return has heightened the air of expectancy which has been steadily mounting up in recent weeks. He brought with him military decisions which were so important they were not sent back to London in advance, even in secret cypher. While there will b<* general interest in the statement Mr Churchill will make to the House of Commons —which may refer to interviews with important people so far not mentioned in communiques—there is the realisation that behind the curtain of the latest flying visits are decisions w'hich may lead to the end of the war and that only time will reveal them.

There is confidence in the war’s present position—despite the U-boat menace—and the “Daily Telegraph” goes so far as to express the opinion that by every criterion the coming spring and summer will see the Germans hard put to it to hold anywhere on the eastern front.

The general comment on the war position, apart from admiration for the Russians, is centred recently on conditions in Germany, the Italian Cabinet changes and General Giraud’s new administration. GERMAN LOSSES CANNOT BE MET Apart from the somewhat sceptical dismissal given to the American suggestion that Hitler is dead, considerable interest is taken in German reactions to the Russian defeats. “The Economist” makes a striking claim: “It can be said almost with certainty that the losses which the German Army suffered in the summer of 1942 and during this winter's battles cannot be replaced. Germany's industrial and military power is on the decline and no political or economic decree can restore the Wehrmacht to the strength necessary for defence against continued offensives.” “The Economist” is a most responsible and well-informed weekly and its views can be relied on. As regards "Hitler’s death,” one of the most interesting points concerning him is the almost monotonous repetition with which all German leaders and propagandists emphasise that Hitler takes the sole responsibility for all decisions, the point being that he might thus be easier to replace, if it were considered necessary, either by other Nazis or the High Command. ITALIAN CABINET CHANGES With regard to the changes in the Italian Cabinet, there is a spate of conjectures. It can be read against a background of popular discontent and resentment against the catastrophic course of the war—ltaly’s killed, missing and wounded are alone estimated to total 500 000. It may be that Count Ciano, Signor Grandi and others formed a peace move behind Mussolini's back or the changes were ordered by Germany, or Ciano quarrelled with his wife, Edda. Mussolini’s daughter, and also with Mussolini, or to find scapegoats, or by appointing Ciano ambassador to the Holy See. Mussolini wants to build up the Vatican, on which he can rely in the event of civil trouble—whatever the cause the fact remains that Italy, one of the most occupied of all the occupied countries, must still dance to Berlin’s piping. GIRAUD’S CHANGES WELCOMED General Giraud’s changes in North Africa are welcomed as the first step towards clearing up an unsavoury position and further changes are expected. The revised regime is now cut off from Vichy and between the next moves it is hoped that Generals de Gaulle and Giraud will settle their differences.— P.A. Special Correspondent.