BLUNT COMMENT

Timaru Herald, Volume CLIII, Issue 22490, 27 January 1943, Page 5

BLUNT COMMENT

Political Sabotage In North Africa Firm Action By Allies Advocated N.Z.P.A.—Special Australian Correspondent (Rec. 7 pan.) LONDON, Jan. 25. Expectation of a statement by the United Nations has been a matter for speculation by the majority of newspapers during the last few days. Commentators in both London and Washington are using phrases such as “Broad outlines of patterns for victory.” “One world strategy unifying the plans of the Allies.” One guess is that the plans include something approaching an Allied War Council comprised of Britain, the United States, Russia and China., also some clear-cut policy regarding French North Africa. Regarding the position in North Africa the “Economist” makes some of the bluntest comments on the situation yet published. “There is now sufficient evidence from North Africa to show that one of the reasons why the Tunisian campaign is hanging fire is the degree of political sabotage and economic dislocation behind the lines. Tangier is still the entry and exit point for German agents. There is a steady leakage of information through functionaries of all grades. Some reports speak of sabotage within the transport system, which at the best is inadequate. Psychological sabotage, whispering campaigns and the relating of rumours continue on a large scale. Economically the most serious factor is the food and textile shortage.” The “Economist” adds that there is some danger from food rioting and that there is a plague of hoarding, profiteering and black marketing raging. It refers to the “brave and vigorous but somewhat bewildered figure of General Giruad,” and expresses the opinion that the temporary arrangements that Admiral Darlan made to reinforce his position must be rescinded for the new representative of authority, and that honest attentistes of the General Weygand and Tassigny type, who were purged in 1941, are probably the most reliable. Regarding the economic position the “Economist” suggests the introduction of the methods used in Syria. “Each week lost in North Africa is a setback to the total strategy of the war. Only firm action in cleansing bureaucracy and ending the economic crisis can give the Allies the security that they need behind the lines, and that Action must be speedy.” The general rejoicing at the fall of Tripoli has been followed by greater attention being paid to Tunisia. It Ls an accepted fact that ousting the Germans will be very hard. One view is that the Germans are in a strong position on condition that they have air superiority and can employ it to guard sea supplies and lines of communication between Bizerta and Sicily. It is believed that they will lack more and more this superiority. Another view is that the position for the Allies might be considered menacing if the Eighth Army’s victory were left out of account, and it is from the Eighth Army that important assistance is looked for. Commenting on the more confused political situation the “Observer” says it is difficult to escape the impression that we have all the time been busy in French North Africa preparing for ourselves daggers which might stab us in the back at the first military reverse.

“We shall act against any attempts to divide the population of Algeria to the detriment of the Allies,” said M. Peyrouten (Governor-General of Algeria) addressing high French officials in Algeria. He declared: “Such attempts are the efficacious arm of collective suicide. The Allies have promised to respect French sovereignty. We in exchange must provide active collaboration. Passive adhesion is not sufficient. Difficulties will increase, particularly with food. We must remember the silent courage of France under far greater sufferings.”