GERMAN THRUST

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 25086, 27 December 1944, Page 6

GERMAN THRUST

OPINIONS IN BRITAIN COMMAND OF ALLIED FORCES (Special Correspondent) LONDON, Dec. 25 Many reasons are advanced for von Rundstedt's offensive. One of the most interesting is offered by the Observer's commentator "Liberator," who recalls the difference of opinion between Rommel and von Rundstedt in dealing with the invasion.

Ho says that Rommel advocated a decisive battle as near the coast as possible, while von Rundstedt preferred to

counter a successful Allied landing by a deep retreat, by curtailing Allied supplies by leaving suicide garrisons and destruction squads at ports, and by hitting back deep inland against fullystretched and precariously supplied Allied armies. Rommel had his way, and von Rundstedt resigned when disaster followed. Part of the German forces escaped, and German mobilisation in the early autumn managed to some extent to replace tho staggering losses. Picking Up Threads

When von Rundstedt resumed command, "Liberator" proceeds, he saw the chance of picking up the threads of his original plan. The present German offensive is tho outcome of this, but its circumstances are very much different from, and for the Germans much less promising than, those which the original von Rundstedt plan envisaged. Instead of hitting into the hinge of the incomplete Allied deployment. and throwing the moving, marching armies off their balance, he is driving along a corridor flanked on both sides by threatening, firmly-installed Allied strength. > Comparing the present German offensive with that of 1910 in the samo spot, "Liberator" says that in both cases there was a complete tactical surprise break-through, but Sedan is not now the hinge as previously of the northern Allied army group. Today the lines of communication hinge on firmly-held Antwerp, and even if von Rundstedt J were to reach the sea at Abbeville he i would only expose his northern flank without interfering with the supplies of the northern armies. Nor would he disturb the supplies of the southern armies flowing from Cherbourg and Brest. Today, if von Rundstedt wants to cripple tho offensive power of the Allied northern armies, he must turn northward and try to break into Central Belgium and mask Antwerp. Allied Command's Reaction

The very first reaction of the Allied High Command has been significant, "Liberator" adds. By the recapture of Monschau and Stavelot and the suecess-

ful defence of Malmedy, it has established a firm front along von Rundstedt's northern strength, facing south and covering Liege. As von Rundstedt's westerly advance continues, this northsouth front on his northern flank will extend and gradually becomo the main front of this battle.

As long as it holds every further German advance westward will only mean an increase of risk for the enemy without a corresponding strategic gain, and if it holds completely it is quite possible that the Germans will be cut off. But that day is not yet. Wo must watch with some anxiety for every sign of German progress to the north and north-west.

The military correspondent of the Observer says that in view of the considerable regrouping which is going on all along the Allied front it is possible that there will also be some changes in the position of commanders. He adds the following comment: "General Eisenhower will naturally remain in supremo command. What is so important now is to reduce to a minimum friction in relations in different set-ups for the British and American command." "Muffed Our Chance" John Gordon, editor of the Sunday Express, sees the offensive as a sign of German desperation. He says: "Between June and September Field-Mar-shal Montgomery's basic plan, for which he is responsible in the field, had tho Germans beaten, but we muffed our chance. How and why we did so will be one of the intriguing stories of history." Mr Gordon says the duration of the war depends on how quickly we can restore the vital spark which has been missing in our recent strategy. "In our army," he adds, "we have two of the greatest soldiers of this war —FieldMarshal Alexander and Field-Marshal Montgomery. Yet at this hour, when their strategic genius is just what we need to finish the job, _we send Alexander to puddle around in smelly Balkan politics and do not givo Montgomery enough to do. It does not make sense."

May Be an Advantage The Spectator's commentator "Strategicus" sees von Rundstedt's offensive as something of a gamble, and adds: "Ho has captured the initiative for the moment, but the impulse was born of a certain desperation. Unless ho gains some very considerable success in a very short time he risks a riposte that may be deadly." "Strategicus" adds: "The Allied cftmmand desires nothing better than to fight the battle of Germany on this side of the Rhine, and they must consider it a great advantage to meet von Rundstedt in the open rather than behind an elaborate defence, for which reason this may bo the very chance they have been praying for." LEAVE FOR AMERICANS 80,000 MEN EACH MONTH NEW YOKK, Dec. 25 The United States Army is bringing almost 80,000 men home each month from overseas.

Of these, 22,000 will return under a rotation plan, and about 8000 for temporary duty in America. Tho remainder are sick, wounded, and in other categories. This information was contained in a letter from the Secretary for War, Mr Stimson, to a senator, who had received petitions from relatives of members of the 41st Division, which has been in the Pacific for moro than two years.

Mr Stimson said there was no way in which a unit could be singled out for return.

AIRCRAFT FOR SALE SURPLUS IN AUSTRALIA SYDNEY. Dec. 20 At least 100 aircraft, declared surplus by the R.A.A.F., will soon be sold by public tender by the Commonwealth Disposals Commission. The aircraft range from planes suitable for private flying, such as Moth Minors, Gipsy Moths, and light trainers, up to commercial transport aircraft suitable for inter-State operational companies. Types include .Ryan trainers, Avro trainers, D.II. 84's, Fairchilds, Beechcraft,. and a seaplane; Gannets, Miles Falcons, a Waco, and a Cessna aircraft arc also included in tho list.

Young 11.A.A.F. officers and aircrew havo expressed a desiro to purchaso small aircraft. EASIER SHOPPING LONDON, Dec. 23 If tho ideas of the retailers' committee on town-planning are adopted, shopping will be easier, speedier and more pleasant in post-war Britain. Tho committee, which was formed at the request of tho Ministry for Town and_ Country Planning, proposes a special shopping centre for every town handy to residential areas and fed by good transport services. The suggested towns have separate centres—civic, shopping, amusement, commercial and wholesale trading. The shopping centre would have 80ft wide streets, hacked hy service roads. Only local buses would run along the shopping atfeetsj