WAR OUTLOOK

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24949, 23 June 1942, Page 3

WAR OUTLOOK

CONFIDENCE IN LONDON PROSPECT OF SECOND FRONT (N.Z.P.A. Special Correspondent.) LONDON, June 21. More interest is being taken in Mr Churchill's present visit to President Roosevelt than previously, owing, to a great extent, to the secrecy surrounding the conversations in contrast to the publicity accompanying the others. There is a spate of speculation, particularly concerning a second front, which "informed circles suggest cannot be opened up immediately, requiring time for organisation and the building up of forces, including shipping. It is now accepted that the Allied shipping losses between January and June totalled more than the shipping built, while more enemy submarines have been built than have been sunk. The American losses are undoubtedly serious. Most of them are occurring along the coastline, due to the relative lack of smaller escorting craft. It is believed, on the other hand, that the British shipping position is not unhealthy, but this is chiefly because the Germans have concentrated on the soft spot along the American coast. These losses obviously complicate the supplying of the Allied forces on many fronts —Russia, the Middle East, India, China, and Australia, in addition to starting a second front. There is no need to comment on the tremendous enthusiasm with which the Anglo-Soviet treaty was greeted throughout Britain. It certainly provided a channel for the people's admiration, which is flowing at full tide. It is equally interesting to realise that the agreement is hailed throughout the Soviet Union with enthusiasm reported to surpass by a long way any similar manifestations. The main point which has impressed the Russians is the " agreement on the urgent task to open up a second front in Europe in 1942." Japan and Russia The first anniversary of Russia's entry into the war is now being celebrated with warmth and admiration, on which Sir Stafford Cripps's speech set the seal. Speculation whether the Japanese intend attacking Russia has been increased by the Aleutian Island developments, in addition to more news of Japanese movements in Mongolia, as well as reports that the Japanese have increased their Manchurian army from 18 to 30 divisions. It would cause no surprise if the Japanese invaded Russia, in which event occupation of the Aleutians would make possible the cutting off of American supplies to Russia. Meanwhile the Japanese are keeping up the pressure in Chekiang. There is no doubt that China's position is serious. She finds herself a country undeveloped industrially and cut off from the rest of the world except by aeroplane. China's fight emphasises the importance of India in the Allied strategy, as India is the jumping-off place for aid to China. India has been greatly strengthened by the recent convoy, and it is now considered that she can be held against the Japanese. The Time Factor In spite of Libya, the shipping position, and the still impending German attack against Russia, London's war outlook is based on confidence. It is already mid-summer, and Hitler's time for winning the war this summer is being steadily eaten up. He is facing a Russia which is better equipped than at this day last year, while the prospect of a second front is now not mere public enthusiasm. The Allied forces are facing difficult months, but so is Hitler, who appar"-" ently has unleashed a home front, to judge from a German news agency's announcement of mass arrests in Vienna and lower Austria, and the setting up of special commissions to draw up lists of " anti-social destructive elements." It would still be unwise, however, to hope for developments against Hitler inside Germany.