NOTE OF CONFIDENCE

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 283, 28 August 1942, Page 5

NOTE OF CONFIDENCE

Success In Egypt

(British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, August 26. In a message addressed to the British community in Egypt and in which he pays a tribute to the valuable assistance they have rendered to the war effort, Mr. Churchill says: "As head of the Home Government, I can assure you that it is our set purpose to repel the enemy’s assault ou Egypt, and I am confident that we shall succeed. I am no less confident, that you will play your part iu this great moment of our history and that you will be able, when success is won, to look back on it with pride.” At first sight it would appear that General Alexander had been handicapped in the .race for supplies by Rommel's shorter, supply routes, but the unceasing attacks by the R.A.F. on. Benghazi and other ports, and the toll taken of German shipping in the Mediterranean, as well as the calle from the Russian front, have had a considerable effect on Rommel’s reinforcements.

As regards General Alexander, it is known that replacements of men, guns, tanks, and planes have been rushed to help the Eighth Army at an astonishing speed in the past six weeks, and that today the army is again strong and well equipped. The main question rises where Rommel will strike should he seize the initiative. Some opinion is inclined to the view that he will attack in the northern sector with the idea of the rapid capture of Alexandria, but he might make an attempt on the edge of the Qua!tarn Depression, where the terrain offers good going. Whichever course be may take, General Alexander will need all his tactical powers and iron determination, but there is no 'doubt that every eventuality has been adequately taken into account. Rommel’s night bombers have been dropping pamphlets for Empire troops. They offer the Australians a free pas. sage home if they stop fighting, and say that the Americans are having a good time in Australia, and that while the Australians are defending El Alatnein they should consider Darwin's safety. Pamphlets for the New Zealanders praise their chivalry, but declare it is hardly sensible for them to fight while British profiteers fatten themselves at New Zealand’s expense. The pamphlets are now al a premium us souvenirs.

CHURCHILL’S PRAISE iOfficial War Correspondent, N.Z.E.F.) CAIRO, August 2-1.

Mr. Churchill gave generous and inspiring praise Io a representative gathering of New Zealanders whom he met on ills second visit to the El Alameiu battlefrpiit. He told them they had played a magnificent part in stemming the British retreat in Egypt. '“'When tlie great days come, as come they will.” he said, “we shall never forget your valiant service. Not long ago I. heard some-one in England say Unit the New Zealand lighting men are 'balls of fire.’ That description was given by someone who has had a great opportunity of assessing your worth. I am happy to lie with you here, more particularly as your commander is a very old friend of mine.’’

Earlier in the day Mr. Chureliill hud paid a deeply impressive tribute to lite New Zealand war dead. At one stop in the desert lie noticed a tiny New Zealand cemetery. He turned toward it, and stood in front, of the largest cross, which marked the site of the cemetery as distinct from the humble personal memorials, removed his hat, and stood in silent homage for several seconds. Mr. Churchill's second visit to the desert, was obviously a personal goodwill trip which Im had been unable to make on the previous occasion because of pressure of battle-front business.