BRITISH AIM IN DESERT

Southland Times, Issue 24894, 6 November 1942, Page 5

BRITISH AIM IN DESERT

Destruction Of Nazi

Armour

(Special Correspondent, N.Z.P.A.)

(Rec. 7 p.m.) LONDON, November 4. The second phase of the Battle of Egypt is causing optimism in London, where throughout the battle there has been a feeling of confidence in Lieu-tenant-General Montgomery’s success, but in view of previous set-backs after optimism the progress of the present battle has been the subject of care-fully-worded conservative communiques and limited reports. The destruction of the panzer divisions is the battle’s objective, the aim being to hold them to action long enough for their destruction and, as The Times points out, it is for this purpose that so great a proportion of the British effort in production and shipping during 1942 has been devoted to building up the most armament possible in General Sir Harold Alexander’s hands.

Thp battle is significant at a period which is generally recognized as the turning point in the World War’s grand strategy. The opinion is expressed that a decisive North African victory would influence both the Russian and Pacific battles, for, by bringing nearer the reopening of the Mediterranean for Allied shipping, it would help to relieve the Allies’ strained shipping throughout the world, while by taking toll of Axis man-power and weapon-power it would help to lighten Russia’s burden. Meanwhile, it is recognized that there is a lot of heavy fighting ahead. The reminder given by the United

States Secretary of the Navy, Colonel Frank Knox, that there is no warrant for optimism in the Solomons struggle is endorsed here. It is felt that nothing decisive has yet been accomplished and that the Japanese have not yet produced the maximum forces which they are prepared to risk in the southern Pacific. The Solomons fight is linked up with New Guinea, for the latter will affect the struggle’s every stage.

GROWING BATTLES EXPECTED While the Americans retain the Guadalcanar airbase and Tulagi harbour, the Japanese can still base their shipping and aircraft within easy striking distance, for which reason a renewal of the attack is regarded as practically certain, but the Allies are attackminded and growing sea and air battles are expected.

The Daily Telegraph considers that in aircraft losses the balance is heavily against Japan and that Japan will lose the air race ultimately. Meanwhile, the pace is growing hotter, not only in the South Pacific, but also on all the Pacific fronts.