TIMELY DISCUSSIONS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25304, 14 August 1943, Page 5

TIMELY DISCUSSIONS

WAR AT TURNING POINT (N.Z.P.A. Special Correspondent)

LONDON. Aug. 12. London comment on Mr Churchill’s visit to Canada is warmly approving, confident, and optimistic. Some commentators are of the opinion that the Casablanca decisions are now outdated by the march of events, and with the war at the turning point it is felt that further discussion with Mr Roosevelt is not only timely, but necessary. Mr Vernon Bartlett, M.P., in the News Chronicle., points out the necessity for closer political understanding between Russia. Britain, and America. “ The sudden appearance of the Allied military Government in Sicily and the National Committee of Free Germans in Moscow,” he states, “makes closer political co-operation absolutely imperative. For there ’is an apparent gap, at least as obvious to the anxious Germans as to ourselves, between the Soviet and the British and American approaches to the European problem.’ He adds that the British and Americans are insistent upon unconditional surrender, but the Soviet policy of sponsoring promises of social, political, and religious freedom must give hope to a great many despairing and bewildered Germans. The Manchester Guardian’s diplomatic correspondent expresses the opinion that Mr Churchill and Mr Rooseveic will obviously exchange views on Italy’s position. He says Italy may give in before being invaded, but it is far from certain. “Badoglio is trying to obtain favourable peace terms by holding out, and it looks as if he prefers capitulation after defeat to unconditional surrender.” The correspondent suggests that a more active stage of the United Nations’ offensive against Japan will doubtless be examined, and that some decision will be taken about diplomatic recognition for the French National Liberation Committee. The opportunity of Mr Churchill's presence there is taken to pay a tribute to Canada. It is pointed out that the Canadian army numbers nearly 500,000, the air force over 200,000, and the navy nearly 60,000. She has over 900,000 workers in war industries, and is producing over 300 aircraft every month.

The Daily Express’s military correspondent says: “ There are good reasons why Mr Churchill, with his service advisers should first want to discuss war strategy with Mr Mackenzie King. Their discussion might be a pointer to coming events. There is a formidable Canadian army in Britain, and this week further arrivals were announced. ’