BATTLE OF GIANTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 25023, 13 October 1944, Page 5

BATTLE OF GIANTS

GERMANY HEMMED IN ONLY HOPE TO GAIN TIME (Reed. G. 30 p.m.) LONDON, Oct. 12 "Battle of the Giants" is a terra which can be justifiably applied now that the general onslaught against the Reich is assuming such dimensions, said the German news agency commentator, von Hallensleben. "The enemy offensive on all fronts is gathering speed. We must admit that our opponents do not lack great conception of planning and well co-ordinated timing. The German Command is once again forced to adapt all its countermeasures exclusively to the Allies' operational will. "The offensives in the east, west and south must »bo assessed as a whole. Their execution reveals precise coordination and also reveals that the Allied Command is prepared to employ its entire manpower and material in a general assault which is now unleashed against the Reich with the object of forcing a decision and liquidating the war in Europe. The German High Command's chances lie in gaining time." "Although the material superiority of our enemies, who pre three .of the most powerful nations in the world, is tremendous, it is still the spirit which lives in man which decides the outcome," said Goering, the German Air Minister, in a speech at a State funeral for the German night-fighter ace, Lent. "We must not despair but must have confidence and face our enemies' superiority with the spirit of the best among us," Goering added. "We must be prepared to lay down our lives in spite of the present burdens, and in face of greater burdens which may yet come. A grim time has begun for the Reich. Very heavy clouds hang over Germany today." The Berlin radio says underground shelters have been built in large German towns where German women can have babies. The mothers will stay underground for 10 to 14 days, and will receive instruction in mothercraft and be under medical and surgical care.