THE DRIVE TO ROSTOV

New Zealand Herald, Volume 78, Issue 24102, 22 October 1941, Page 6

THE DRIVE TO ROSTOV

In spite of the attempt to encircle Moscow, the German drive along the sea of Azov toward Rostov continues with unabated force. The Russians have admitted the fall of Mariupol, the Germans claim to have captured Taganrog and their forces must be perilously near the railway line running from Baku through Rostov to Moscow. This line is of the utmost importance. Close beside it is the pipeline carrying oil from Baku to Rostov, whence it is distributed over Russia. Thus if Rostov falls to the enemy the main route for the output of the Caucasian oil wells is severed and the Soviet agricultural and industrial economy suffers a heavy blow. At least 75 per cent of Russia's oil production comes from Georgia and Azerbaijan in the Caucasus. By 1942 it was hoped that 14.7 per cent would be produced in the Volga and Ural regions, but already difficulties have been experienced in the elimination

of salt from oil frorc: these areas and production has not realised expectations. Even, of course, with the loss of Rostov, important as well as a great industrial town, oil could be transported up the Volga, unless this route was severed by the loss of the river town of Stalingrad. lor undoubtedly the Germans will not be content until they have cut all the arteries that serve Russia with the Caucasian oil. Russian agriculture is mechanised, and without oil must languish. It is only when Stalingrad is reached that the Germans are likely to turn in force toward Georgia, with the object both of securing the oil fields and of striking toward our interests in the Middle East. The Italian report that Sir Archibald Wavell is establishing a British line in the Caucasus is therefore understandable and is reinforced by Lord Croft's emphasis on the importance of Iran as a support for the Russian defence of Baku.