SERIOUS REVERSE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 18 June 1942, Page 4

SERIOUS REVERSE

SUFFERED IN LIBYA VIEWS OF COMMENTATORS IN LONDON. DOUBTS ABOUT TOBRUK BEING RETAINED. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) (Received This Day, 12.10 p.m.) LONDON, June 17. The seriousness of the situation in Libya is emphasised in London newspapers. “It is undeniable that we have suffered a very serious reverse,” says the “Daily Telegraph’s” military correspondent. “It is doubtful whether we can maintain any defensive position west of Solium. Whether we shall attempt to hold Tobruk as an isolated outpost remains to seen. Probably we shall decide not to do so.” “The Times” military critic describes the situation as ugly. The military correspondent of the “Daily Express” says: “Something has gone "wrong. Rommel has made dangerous gains and more British reverses are inevitable. The factors which to account for this at least temporary turn of the tide are, firstly, that air superiority was wrested from the R.A.F.; secondly, Rommel’s preponderance in heavy tanks; thirdly, Rommel’s many 88 millimetre guns, which are heavier than any field piece we possess. These factors gave Rommel superior fire-power, which he kept concealed until he was able to exploit it to the maximum by surprise. We must hope that Rommel has so dissipated his strength that no further advance will be possible this summer. The fact remains. however, that this battle is no longer on equal terms.”