NAZI TACTICS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 86, Issue 69, 23 March 1942, Page 5

NAZI TACTICS

GIGANTIC ASSAULT EXPECTED HITLER'S SUPREME EFFORT Rugby, March 20. Once more the approach of spring finds the British people facspring finds the Briish people facing the likelihood of a gigantic enemy assault. Once more the Germans are adopting the usual tactics of trying to spread confusion and suspicion before striking, and encouraging rumours and speculations as to possible objectives. Attempts are also being mad? to stimulate distrust between Britain, America, and Russia. Information reaching London indicates that Hitler will make a supreme effort to break out of the ring in which he is still held, and if he fails the consequences may be serious for Germany. Among likely developments are simultaneous assaults on Russia by Germany and Japan. British observers. who do not expect the Russians will be taken unawares by Japan, note that, the Red Armies in the Far East have always been formidable in numbers and equipment, and are not dependent on European Russia for supplies. They got the better of the Japanese in the clash on the Mongolian border in the summer of 1939. Moreover, a Japanese attack would expose the great cities in Japan to bombing from Vladivostok, 600 miles away. Mediterranean Drive Likely. A second probability is an Axis attack on the Allied bastion in the Middle East. The lull in Libya seems unlikely to last much longer. There is great activity, and also troop concentrations, in Italian and Greek pc-rts, and a determined effort to oust the British from the Mediterranean and Egypt is expected. The Turks, of course, are being assured again that they need fear no attack from Germany or Bulgaria. The other end of the Middle East bastion would also be under fire. British forces are preparing for Japanese attacks on India and Ceylon and naval interference with the supply routes in the Indian Ocean. Finally the great battle of the Pacific is already raging off the north coast oi Australia. Little doubt is felt that the stage is set for the greatest struggle in history, and that this summer will decide the issue. Ihe enemies of freedom must huri} te establish world domination before the mounting tide of American mobilisation overwhelms them. During 1941 Britain produced twice as much war material as the United States and still, for the time being, a the main arsenal of democracy. She must therefore continue to send supplies to Russia, Egypt, India, and Australia without diminishing the equipment required fat home defence. The mam British land front is still felt to be in the Middle East, and since the enemy seems determined to hold Libya as a base for offensive action, tifis ofi’ers Britain an opDortunity to strike further damaging blows which are calculated to divert forces and equipment from Russia.— 8.0.W.