"SOMETHING BIG"

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 165, 15 July 1942, Page 5

"SOMETHING BIG"

ABOUT TO HAPPEN

Second Front Speculation

In Britain

Special Correspondent. United Press Association.—Copyright. LONDON, July 14. As the war situation is again focusttention on the development ?l r 6 lt muc h-debated second front, the feeling is growing that "something big is going to happen, but where and when is a query The Germans, In their relentless drive against the Don Valley, are believed to have reduced even the total of tanks and aircraft for Remmel, while refusing all Goebbels' entreaties for a bomber reprisal force to operate against Britain. They are flinging in against the Russians 10 times the number of Rommel's forces in Egypt.

Second front advocates declare that now is the time for every effort to be made to cause a diversion. The Russians now have less and less room for manoeuvre, and their vital areas are being uncovered. They cannot retreat very far in any sector without tending to uncover either Leningrad, Moscow or the Caucasus. It seems once again that the Germans have succeeded in introducing the element of surprise into attack namely sheer mass of armour' closely supported by Stukas and fighter fleets. Luftwaffe Overhauled Reports indicate that the Luftwaffe was completely overhauled and reorganised throughout the winter, resulting in greatly increased power and ability to mass aircraft in any given sector. It is estimated that their air force totals between 12,000 and 14,000 aircraft, with 6000 first-line machines. All planes are equipped with blind flying apparatus to operate on radio instruction from army group headquarters, also by rocket signal, thus achieving a maximum of speed and manoeuvrability. They are operating mainly Messerschmitts 109, Junkers 88 and 52, Focke-Wulfs 100 and Dorniers 217.

The Russians are unable to check the steady surge of the tide of mechanised masses, but do not intend to allow themselves to be encircled. While the Russians can elude traps there is always the possibility that the Germans may meet a bloody repulse similar to that upsetting their hopes at Smolensk and Moscow last year.

The Evening Standard claims that the Germans are enforcing a war of movement under conditions favourable to them. "Any calculation of world strategy based on stabilisation oLthe Russian front is now painfuly stindered," the newspaper said. The Germans' success may be the signal for the Japanese to strike against Russia In the Far East, where their preparations already appear to be complete.

SECOND FRONT DEMANDED

Rec. 2 p.m. NEW YORK, July 14. The council of the Congress of Industrial Organisations has begun the distribution of half a million postcards addressed to President Roosevelt urging the opening of a second front in Europe without delay and predicting danger to victory unless a western front is opened immediately.