HITLER’S PLAN

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 86, Issue 115, 19 May 1942, Page 5

HITLER’S PLAN

INVASION OF BRITAIN “IF RUSSIA IS DEFEATED” (By T< exraph—Pres. Association—Copyright) London, May 17. “The best - informed military circles in Berlin predict an attempt to invade Britain this autumn if Russia is smashed by mid-sum-mer," says Mr. Joseph Grigg, the t luted Press Berlin correspondent, who has reached Lisbon after two years in Germany. He adds that everyone in Germany believes that the crisis of the war wiil occur this summer. Because of her immense reserves and vast booty, Germany is not short of guns and ammunition. The chief shortages affecting her war power are some foodstuffs and fats. Some metals are ied to harden steel for aero engines. Plane production is a constant source of worry to the High Command. Tlie output is estimated at between 1100 and 2500 monthly. The total available is about 35,000, many of which are no match for the latest Allied planes. Hitler evidently hoped to win with the 1939 plane types and the necessity : ■ : models slowed down output. A full-out effort against Russia is likely within a month, coupled with a full-out U-boat campaign to cut off Russia and Britain from American arms. U-boats are being built at the rate of about 18 monthly. Probably one in three is being sunk. "The war in Europe will be decided in the next six or eight months," says John Gordon, editor of the Sunday Express. "It may even be ended within that period. However foolish it may be to wish for and think of signs of weakness in Germany, it is cl tar beyond doubt that Hitler's difficulties are grave. It is clear that the strong top crust has been knocked off the German army. At least a million of its best soldiers have gone, perhaps more. Their places have been taken ■>y very young recruits and middleaged men. and neither will stand the battle as well as the young men who have gone. "Hitler cannot lace another winter with much hope of survival. He can force an end favourable to himself only by destroying the Russian armies so completely that, he can safely turn with all his strength against us. In my View Russia won't be beaten, but will beat Germany. What Russia needs above all else is a second front in Europe. That front can come only from Britain."