BALKAN THRUST

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21245, 16 October 1940, Page 8

BALKAN THRUST

ENGLISH PRESS COMMENT HITLER’S DISAPPOINTMENT EGYPT AND SUEZ CANAL (United Press Assn.—Eire. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, Oct. 14 Discussing the Balkan thrust, the Times says: “Hitler has been compelled to recognise that the blitzkrieg against Britain is yielding no prospects of victory and none of those quick and dramatic results necessary for his prestige at home and abroad. ‘‘Spain, in spite of the blandishments lavished on Senor Suner, has not committed herself—as far as can be divined—to departure from her watchful attitude. Marshal Graziani has had time to experience some uncomfortable realities in the campaign which he launched against Egypt at the moment when German bombers were supposed to be on the point of ieducing London to ruins. “The line of least resistance must have seemed to lead through the Balkans. The first step, the bloodless subjugation of Rumania, has been successfully undertaken during the past week, and a creditable outline of the Axis plan seems to be shaping itself. Attack on Egypt “ It amounts to the administration of the coup de grace to Egypt and the Suez Canal by some fresh form of pressure, if not indeed by actual attack from the north. In no other way can the so-called pincers of the Axis be made to close on the British stronghold in the eastern Mediterranean. “ There are two obstacles to the realisation of any such grandiose Plan* The first is the power and spirit of Turkey. It is significant that the successes of the Axis in southeastern Europe have been achieved exclusively at the expense of those who allowed ther'selves to be bribed or terrorised. “ Yugoslavia so far has been saved from molestation by her well-known determination to defend herself, and by the reputation of her troops as stubborn fighters in difficult country. “Greece hit'.erto has been spared because she presented a firm front to the bully. Turkey's Great Strength “ Turkey is the strongest military Power in the Near Fast and stands second to none both in proud assertion of her independence and in capacity to resist any infringement of it. Turkey will be saved by her own resolution. “ The second obstacle to the project is the growing strength of Britain in the Mediterranean. Had the Axis Powers been able to launch their offensive at the moment of the French armistice, the threat might have been formidable. Since then, however, successive reinforcements of men and material have reached the British military, naval and air forces in the Near East.” RELEASE FROM ARMY

HELP FOR CIVILIAN DEFENCE FIRE-FIGHTING OPERATIONS REPEATED APPEALS ANSWERED (United Pres* Assn.— Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Receded Oct. 16. 3.15 p.m.) LONDON, Oct. 15 The first response to the repeated appeals that men should be released from the Army to help the undermanned civilian defence services is a War Office decision to release all soldiers not above the rank of corporal who were professional firemen or serving in an auxiliary fire service before enlistment and who now wish to return to fire-fighting. Former firemen now serving with the Navy and the Ajr Force are not similarly to be released. Since the bombing of London began firemen from the provinces have been sent to the metropolitan area to reinforce the brigades there and to gain experience. Even so, units have been working extremely hard during the past month, and more men could be used. About 5000 auxiliary policemen in the London area will remain in the force as a result of a decision to defer the calling up of reserve constables aged from 27 to 30.

Shortage of Men The A.R.P. Services are still short , of men, and it is being urged that they should be reinforced from the j Army. Officials say that the point is strik- j inglv illustrated in parts of Lon- i don where there are guns and search- I lights, and it is common to see a j lonely, unaided A.R.P. worker ex- l tinguishing incendiary bombs on one | side of a fence, while on the other ! side a similar job is being done by strong parties of troops. The shortage of A.R.P. workers has given point to complaints that underground railwav platforms are crowded with able-bodied young men who are taking up space needed for women and children, and who could be doing A.R.P. work above ground. Women and Children First On a recent night police and railway officials began a campaign to try to dissuade these young men from using the Tube stations. Young men entering with blankets and pillows had their attention directed to a prominent notice stating that women and children needed shelter first. The men were asked to go to surface shelters. One official said: “ The women themselves arc now making it uncomfortable for young men who turn up.” On the other hand, some young wives point out that their hu-bands are doing essential war work and must sleep.