The Dominion MONDAY, MAY 6, 1940. THE WAR SITUATION

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 188, 6 May 1940, Page 8

The Dominion MONDAY, MAY 6, 1940. THE WAR SITUATION

It is now eight the outbreak of the war. In tnat period much has happened to cause those who expected at the commencement of hostilities that the conflict would develop along lines which seemed fairly clear at the time, to change their opinions. e Allies are now confronted with a very different situation from tla with which they had to deal in September last. It is now clear that the enemy had in view a long-prepared and carefully-concealed plan of strategy, based upon complete disregard of the rules of civilized warfare and the rights of-neutral States, and resort to the tactics of treachery, deceit, and terrorism.

From this the Germans have reaped advantages the impoitance of which it would be unwise to underestimate, or to attempt to g oss over. The occupation of Denmark and the invasion, of Norway in flagrant violation of international laws governing the rights of neutral States, have undoubtedly strengthened their strategical position in that the task of the Allies has been rendered more complicated and difficult as a result. . That this has been achieved at heavy cost to the enemy in the lo,ss of warships, transports, and personnel does not alter the fact that the war has been extended into a new theatre, and that theatie a menace on the left flank of the Allies in western Europe through the air bases in Denmark and Norway which the enemy has seized. It is now clear that to oust the Germans from the territory they have occupied in Denmark and Norway will involve a well-organized and skilfully-directed campaign.

The Allies from the outset have been under no illusions concerning the strength and resources of the enemy, but they have not been prepared for the treachery and trickery to which he has resorted, and through which he has been- enabled to score in Denmark and Norway. But through this experience they now have a more accurate appreciation of the enemy’s real character, and just as by the sheer skill and daring of the Navy his ruthless tactics and trickery at sea were completely outmatched, so by superior strategy and determined drive must he be outmanoeuvred on land. Base stratagems of warfare such as those adopted by the Germans in utter disregard of the canons of civilized warfare and the rights of neutrals contain within them the seeds of ultimate disaster for them.

It is already evident that the Allies, in the light of recent events, are prepared to take nothing for granted—not even Italy’s professions of ‘'non-belligerency.” Joined in a military alliance with a regime that has been shown to be utterly'devoid of principle, Italy must be held suspect. The understanding between those two nations is well named the “axis,” for the poles of it can be swung this way or that to suit the purposes of those who control it. It is an essential factor in the grand strategy of the' Berlin-Rome combine, and as the Allies’ precautionary measures in the Mediterranean clearly indicate, every movement of the Rome end of it is being carefully watched and countered by appropriate action. Whether Signor Mussolini fully intends to create a diversion in the Eastern Mediterranean in order to relieve the pressure of the blockade on Germany, or is. simply attempting by' his show of warlike preparation to effect a dispersal of the Allies’ forces, his activities constitute a menace against which the fullest preparation must be made and most alert vigilance exercised. The general situation is such that the only convincing gesture Italy could make to rid herself of the suspicion and surveillance to which she is being justifiably subjected by the Allies would be to denounce her alliance with Germany. Failing this, she must, therefore, be regarded as a potential enemy. Her present position as a “non-belligerent” member of a military alliance whose other member is at war is incompatible with the realities of the situation and a menace to the strategical strength and security of the Allies.. The foregoing considerations emphasize the difficulty and complexity of the task which the Allies have in hand, and the need for the most uncompromising, strenuous and relentless efforts on the part of all concerned. On balance there is every reason to feel satisfied with what has been achieved in those first eight months. The German sea power has been destroyed, and the Allied blockade is becoming increasingly effective. But it may be that if the area of the conflict is widened further harder tasks and graver dangers will confront us, demanding of our efforts a sharper temper and more fiery ardour to ensure the speedy end of our treacherous enemy.