ON SECOND FRONT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 86, Issue 230, 30 September 1942, Page 5

ON SECOND FRONT

“ALLIED LEADERS DON’T NEED PRODDING” MR. ATTLEE ON CATCH PHRASE (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) Ottawa, Sept. 28. “The Allied leaders don’t need prodding to open a second front,” said Mr. C. R. Attlee in a broadcast. “It is unnecessary to prod them, because you can take it for certain that we are all working on plans for the offensive. “The second front has become something of a catch phrase. The Battle of me Atlantic large air raids on Germany, and the ligating in the Middle East and elsewhere—all have been considered. All tne -Lighting that is being done by the Aines is part of a second front, and lighting on all fronts will affect it. Most people are agreed that notnmg could be said in advance about a secund front.” Criticising Mr. Wendell Willkie’s statement tnat perhaps military leaders need pu-Dlic prodding to open a’ second front, the New York World Telegram, m an editorial, said: “vve doubt if any public figure since the outbreak ol war has uttered a statement so ill-aavised or has advocated a course so weighted with danger anu possible disaster. iNot only every military commander, but also Mr. Churchill and Mr. Roosevelt have made crystal clear their eagerness and determination to open a second front at the earliest hour compatible with possibility of military success. To move sooner would de to condemn thousands of British and American soldiers to purposeless slaughter. Such an ill-timea move might even mean the loss of the war. Vve do not question Mr. Willkie’s good intentions or the depth and clarity of his thinking. His several expressions on military subjects during his tour have bordered on the sophormic. Applause and flashbulbs apparently have caused Mr. Willkie to talk out of his turn. This is no time for innocents aboard.” New York, Sept. 27. The Washington correspondent of the New York Herald-'i'nbune says that Mr. Willkie’s second front plea from Moscow has emotionally stirred the capital, but the prevailing opinion is that the question should not be decided on sentimental grounds. Military observers doubt whether Britain and America are in a position to undertake an early full-scale invasion of the Continent. They estimate that an attacking force of 500,000 would be needed to effect a serious diversion, and they also question if Britain and America have sufficient shipping available to transport and supply such a huge force.

After the conquest of France the Nazis were unable to invade England, and experts believe that the factors which militated against the Nazis crossing the Channel then would operate in their favour if tiie United Nations attempted it now.

THE RUSSIAN VIEW NEEDED IMMEDIATELY Moscow, Sept. 28. A radio commentator, replying to those who think it is too dangerous to open a second front in Europe now, stated: “Some say that the lesson o£ the Dieppe raid was that landing operations are very costly. Some wouldn’t mind cancelling the war because it is so dangerous and difficult. The seamen who brought munitions to the Red Army weren't frightened away because Fascist lire was awaiting them. They did not wait until next spring. It is impossible to beat Germany by bombing alone. A real second front is needed in Europe, and the important thing is to open it now. Defeat of Russia will mean defeat of Britain and America.”