AXIS COMPETITION

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21198, 22 August 1940, Page 8

AXIS COMPETITION

SHORTAGE OF MATERIALS ne GERMANY AND ITALY SEVERAL SERIOUS DEFICIENCIES (Official wireless) (Received August 22, 3.15 p.m.) RUGBY, Aug. 21 Competition between the Axis Powers in the only markets open to them is referred to in authoritative circles in London today, where it is pointed out that the fat shortage in Italy and Germany has forced both of them into the Balkan market in an endeavour to purchase oil seeds. However there is an insufficient quantity of these to satisfy both.

The Italian food position is estimated to be ensured for about nine months, but there is already a shortage of meat, which is now not allowed to be sold in public restaurants. In certain necessary raw materials it is estimated that there are sufficient stocks to last six months at the present rate of consumption, and, unless the balance of seapower changes, these are irreplaceable. Supply of Rubber More serious is the rubber supply of which Italy had only four months’ stock when she entered the war. While she is able to obtain coal and iron from Germany if transport difficulties can be overcome, her partner cannot help her with rubber, where there are serious deficiencies. Italian oil stores are thought to be probably proportionately greater than Germany’s. She can, however, at present only replace them from Rumania, where again she is in competition with Germany. As Germany has already raised her price of coal to her ally, it would seem that any replacements Italy can secure will only be at considerable cost.

A woman level-crossing keeper acted promptly to save a train in a north-eastern raid. The raider came down low awaiting to attack the train. The woman telephoned to the next signalbox and had the train stopped. Spitfires then appeared and shot down the raider in a field where a seai'chlight crew captured the airmen.