THE EUROPEAN SCENE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25299, 9 August 1943, Page 3

THE EUROPEAN SCENE

CLOSE WATCH IN AMERICA (Rec. 9 p.m) NEW YORK, Aug. 8. The State Department in Washington is watching European developments closely. Events within Germany are believed to be closely related to the military situation on the eastern front. It is known that the Germans did not use reserves in the battle of Orel, indicating the possibility that the German withdrawal may have been based on political considerations. The Times adds that the Pravda’s charge that the British and Americans have broke* their promises by not opening a second European front in 1943 has produced heavy tremors in Washington, but no official retort. There are several reasons for the absence of information concerning Russian affairs. The American Ambassador, Admiral Standley. has frequently asserted that information is difficult to obtain in Moscow. Moreover, Russia has recalled both her Washington and London Ambassadors. Informed circles liken the present situation to that in 1939, when the Russian-German pact was concluded. At any rate, there is a unanimous feeling in Washington that the European scene is moving very rapidly.