SUPREME TEST THIS YEAR

Waikato Times, Volume 130, Issue 21689, 27 March 1942, Page 2

SUPREME TEST THIS YEAR

M. Maisky, Russian Ambassador to Britain, has emphasised the obvious fact that Germany is staking her all on an unreserved offensive next spring and summer. Therefore, he says, the Allies must at all costs successfully meet the assault also in 1942. For that reason he appeals to Britain and the other Allies to put every ounce of their offensive strength into the war this year. The time and the place of attack he leaves to the Allies, but he gives the solemn warning that Russia will need all the help that can be given if she is to defeat the Germans’ last desperate attempt to gain the mastery of all Europe and prevent the Nazis gaining a new lease of life. Admiral Sir Roger Keyes, who could reasonably be expected to have his finger on the pulse of Britain, predicts that “ something will be attempted this spring or summer. I think we are coming to the time when the Navy, Army and Air Force will combine in appropriate offensive operations,” he said. “I am confident these operations will shake the world, shake the enemy, and put us right back to the zenith of our prestige and power.” This statement is indicative of the new spirit that has swept the Empire and its Allies —the spirit that demands offensive action wherever sufficient force can be gathered, without waiting, as M. Maisky said, “ until the last button is sewn on the uniform of the last man.”