COUNCIL MAY BE FORMED

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25134, 27 January 1943, Page 3

COUNCIL MAY BE FORMED

CONCERN OVER FRENCH AFRICA (N.Z.P.A. Special Correspondent) LONDON, Jan. 25. The expectation of a statement by the United Nations has given rise to speculation in the majority of newspapers in the last few days. Commentators in both London and Washington are using phrases such as “ Broad outlines of the patterns for victory” and " One world strategy unifying the plans of the Allies.” One guess is that the plans include something approaching an Allied War Council comprised of Britain, the United States, Russia, and China, and also some clear-cut policy regarding French North Africa. Regarding the North African position, the Economist makes some of the bluntest comments on the situation yet published. It states: “There is npw sufficient evidence from North Africa to say that one of the reasons why the Tunisian campaign is hanging fire is the degree of political sabotage and economic dislocation behind the lines. Tangier is still an entry and exit point for German agents. Spying and Sabotage

“There is a steady leakage of information through functionaries of all grades. Some reports speak of sabotage within the transport system, which at best is inadequate. Psychological sabotage, whispering campaigns, and the relating of rumours continue on a large scale. Economically the most serious factor is the food and textile shortage.” The Economist adds that there is some danger of food rioting and that there is raging a plague of hoarding, profiteering, and black marketing. It refers to “ the brave, viorous, but somewhat bewildering figure of General Giraud,” and expresses the opinion that the temporary arrangements with Admiral Darlan, made to reinforce his position, must be rescinded and replaced by a new representative authority, and that honest men of the Weygand and Tassigny type, who were purged from the administration in 1941, are probably the most reliable.

Regarding the economic position, the Economist suggests the introduction of the methods used in Syria, stating: “Each week lost in North Africa is a setback to the total strategy of the war. Only firm action in cleansing bureaucracy and ending the economic crisis can give the Allies the security they need behind the lines, and action must be speedy.” Question of Air Power

The general rejoicing at the fall of Tripoli has been followed by greater attention to Tunisia. It is accepted that the ousting of the Germans will be very hard. One view is that the Germans are in a strong position if they have air superiority and can employ it to guard the sea supply routes and communications between Bizerta and Sicily.- It is believed, however, that they will more and more lack this superiority. Another view is that the position for the Allies might be considered menacing if the Eighth Army’s victory were left out of account, and it is from the Eighth Army that important assistance is looked for. Commenting on “the more confused political situation,” the Observer says it is difficult to escape the impression that all the time we have been busy in French North Africa preparing for ourselves daggers which might stab us in the back at the first military reverse.