HITLER’S NEXT MOVE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 297, 17 December 1941, Page 5

HITLER’S NEXT MOVE

MAY BE VAST ASSAULT ON MEDITERRANEAN LEFT WING THROUGH TURKEY: RIGHT THROUGH SPAIN. (By IVIt-Kiap:.— Press Aaeociatiun—Copyright.) (Reed. 9.15 p.m.i London. Dec. 16. With the Germans lighting on the defensive in Russia, the question of where will Hiller’s next blow fall, is being widely discussed. It is widely believed his most likely move will be an ambitious Mediterranean assault, aimed at the elimination of the Mediterranean Fleet and domination of North Africa, including Egypt. Commentators already detect the opening moves of such a campaign, including an attempt to stabilise the Russian front and Bulgaria's entrv into the war. which constitute a renewed threat to Turkey. Istanbul, the Turkish capital, is buzzing with rumours that the Germans are taking over Bulgarian airfields, while competent Turkish observers believe January will see the Germans massed in the Balkans ready for a descent on Turkey. Newspaper correspondents in Istanbul declare that there is no room for doubt that Germany will compel Bulgaria to fight. In addition, there has been intensification of Nazi pressure on Spain and the bludgeoning of Vichy, which clearly has one objective, namely, the complete co-operation of France in Hitler’s new order, coupled with the handing over of lhe French fleet. A belief prevails that the German’s contemplate a vast pincers’ drive with the left arm advancing through Turkey and the right arm through Spain, for which Hitler would need Spanish. Portuguese and North African bases, while the French fleet would be employed in convoying troops, supplies and war materials. Should the Germans enter the peninsula. the Portgue.se Premier. Dr. Antonio dp Oliveria Salazar, would declare Portugal’s neutrality and the Government would move to Azores.

Egypt has severed relations with Paimania and Hungary.