NAZI OFFENSIVE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24912, 11 May 1942, Page 5

NAZI OFFENSIVE

RUSSIA'S ADVANTAGES i PREPARATIONS MORE ADVANCED LONDON, May 8. "The question still exercising Barlin is to what extent the Russians are able to forestall a German summer offensive by launching their own," says the Stockholm correspondent of The Times. •'That Russian preparations are mors advanced than the German appears to be tacitly admitted by veiled references to Russian lines of communications being shorter and unendangered by enemy action, including guerrillas, throughout the winter, whereas the vast German rear has been disturbed throughout the winter and is still menaced by guerrillas and partisans, who are now more numerous and bolder. The German spokesman expressed the view that Russian men and material are too' exhausted to withstand the German machine once it is directed against the Soviet, but the Germans admit that ths Russians have nowhere shown a passive spirit, but continue attacking wherever conditions make it possible." Munition and troop trains are travelling east day and night from Berlin. Repair depots have been moved up to the front to eliminate delay in overhauling tanks and aircraft. The main Soviet armies are reported to be already in position, with fiarcely confident reinforcements still moving up.

The Berlin radio hints that the offensive will-start on May 15, but Moscow voices the opinion that it will be the beginning of June. The intensification of the attacks on Russia-bound convoys, the slackening of the Luftwaffe attacks oh Malta, and the German disinclination to engage British fighters over Franca are interpreted as signs that a German drive is imminent. There is evidence that Germany has insufficient aircraft to engage in a three-front air war, and is conserving her strength for an all-out eastern blitz.