SPECULATION ABOUT SECOND FRONT

Southland Times, Issue 25359, 10 May 1944, Page 3

SPECULATION ABOUT SECOND FRONT

Speculation about the opening of the second front without a knowledge of the Intentions of the Allied High Command could only be conjecture, said Mr J. R. Hanan in an address at the weekly luncheon of the Rotary Club yesterday. Mr Hanan spoke mainly on some aspects of life in occupied countries, and especially of the problems of administration in places such as southern Italy, where transit camps might have to handle people of a dozen different nationalities, including former prisoners of war’ of the enemy. He remarked on the well-maintained discipline and bearing of Russians who had been in enemy hands

for long periods. Only passing reference to the battles in the Mediterranean zone was made by Mr Hanan, but he mentioned the proof which had been afforded of the value of young men in pre-sent-day combat conditions and the good impression created by the New Zealand forces "The New Zealand Division.” he said, "is extremely highly thought of. I have seen the enthusiasm of British troops at going into action with the New Zealanders. They know that our men hit hard."