A SUMMARY OF THE SITUATION

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 45, 16 November 1940, Page 12

A SUMMARY OF THE SITUATION

The success of the Fleet Air Arm s attack on the Italian Navy at Taranto and the subsequent R.A.F. attack on port installations has led the “Daily Express,’’ London, to call for more such blows while Italy vet reels'from the effects of those just delivered. A well-known aviation expert, Sir Philip Joubert, admits that events of the last few days have left him with a feeling of optimism, mentions Britain's increased opportunities for striking at Italy, also the poor quality ol some of the Italian aircraft, used in attacks on England, and gives encouraging news of Britain’s speed-up in aircraft production. The Greeks continue to conduct a lively campaign and seem to be trying to exploit recent successes to the full before the Italians reorganize. One report speaks of a general Greek offensive. Ihe Greek communique contents itself with saying there has been great activity on all parts of the front, but other accounts tell of advances at several points. . For the second night in succession the R.A.F. has been over Berlin. Neutral reports suggest that the attackers were numerous and the Germans themselves say that more raiders than ever before penetrated into Germany. The chief feature of the German air attack against Bnglaiid on Thursday night was a heavy raid on a Midlands town, which sulieicd severely. During the day the Germans lost 19 machines, most of them when British fighters routed some visiting dive-bombers. M. Molotov’s visit to Berlin has been quickly followed by German threats to Turkey that she must decide whether she will join the “new order” and reports that a continuation of the process of caning up other people’s territory was discussed. Ihe completeness of Geimany s grip on Rumania is also revealed in today s news. It is now confirmed that the exigencies of Britain s war effort will necessitate certain restrictions on intra-Empire trade. What that eifoit means to the industrial life ol Britain is illustrated by a news item telling how the immense labour, demands ot munitions and similai factories arc to be met.