The Southland Times WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1941. A Call for Action in Britain

Southland Times, Issue 24548, 24 September 1941, Page 4

The Southland Times WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1941. A Call for Action in Britain

LONDON newspapers, ranging in type from the conservative dailies to left-wing weeklies, continue to advocate direct action in support of Russia. The Times went to the heart of the situation when it pointed out that “no other army that can face Germany’s full might can replace the Red Army if it is overthrown.” The New Statesman and Nation believes that the British General Staff is reluctant to face the risks imposed by a shortage of equipment and shipping, but insists that the risks of inaction are likely to prove far greater. It is a little too easy, perhaps, to clamour for action without fully understanding the nature of the problem. Britain could take the offensive in Europe, but only by sacrificing the advantages already gained in the Battle of the Atlantic. Many ships would be needed for the transport of men and materials to a new land front, and these would have to be withdrawn from the Atlantic supply routes. This would not merely reduce the flow of equipment to England; it would also restrict the volume of equipment now going to Russia. Moreover, it would interfere with the strengthening of the Army of the Nile, a development which - the General Staff must be anxious to avoid while the Axis forces are massing in Libya, and while Turkey’s involvement is again becoming more than a possibility. There is a further question of prestige. Britain’s land operations in Europe have all ended in evacuations. “Dunkirk” is a word with glorictus associations; but for army leaders it is linked uncomfortably to the memory of beaches strewn with lost equipment. It was the failure in Norway which finally unseated the Chamberlain Government; and although Mr Churchill survived Greece and Crete he is not likely to relish the prospect of having to explain further withdrawals. Nevertheless the questions raised by The Times cannot be answered easily. The Red Army has proved itself to be powerful in action. If it could be relieved of some of the pressure now being relentlessly applied it would probably be able to continue its resistance indefinitely. But if it has to sustain the full weight of the German attack, and is finally defeated, the British Empire may have to face years of exhausting and indecisive warfare. It could be argued, perhaps, that the interruption of supplies for- Russia would not matter if armed support were given in the west. The Red Army may have sufficient reserves for fighting of a less intensive kind, and in the meantime the Germans would be deprived of the strategic initiative. A war on two fronts might not bring an early victory for the Allies. But it would almost certainly prevent an early defeat of Russia. And at the moment this seems to be the major requirement. The Silent Allies

Also to be considered are the probable reactions of the conquered peoples of Europe. Unrest is growing so rapidly in the occupied countries that it is possible to detect the existence of a spontaneous revolutionary movement. In France, where only a few months ago the public apathy seemed to be complete, there are signs of an almost fanatical opposition to the Germans and to the Vichy Government. Reports from the Balkans suggest that guerrilla fighting is reaching the proportions of organized warfare. The Norwegians are increasingly restive undei’ the harsh discipline of the Nazi regime. In all the occupied countries the mood of rebellion appears to be awaiting a signal from beyond the seas. If it flared prematurely into open resistance the Germans might have no difficulty in stamping it into a final submissiveness—especially if, at the same time, the news from Russia became discouraging. There is a tide in the affairs of nations, and in Europe the revolutionary impulse may be bringing nearer the propitious moment. It would be a tragedy of history if the forces of revolt were lost in a violent and ineffective dispersal. A British offensive might provide the final impetus. It may be true that sporadic risings would fail without organization from within and assistance from outside. But the conquered territories are thinly garrisoned. In a few more months the Germans may be able to transfer stronger forces which would make rebellion impossible. These prospects must have been weighed carefully and anxiously by the British Government. The fact that The Times is advocating bolder measures may mean that there are divided opinions, for it is not often that this influential newspaper questions official policy. It may also mean that the public is being prepared for coming events. The War Cabinet is facing a grave responsibility. A diversion in the west would involve heavy sacrifices; it might bring no gains substantial enough to justify the losses. But if there is no other way of keeping Russia in the war the Government might have to make the attempt. As The Times put it, “the present is the time for the utmost legitimate boldness.” It would be interesting to know what possibilities of action are covered by the word “legitimate” in the minds of Britain’s leaders. j