AXIS RADIO CLAIM

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 21, 20 October 1942, Page 5

AXIS RADIO CLAIM

Second Front Move Anticipated (Received October 19, 11.55 p.m.) LONDON, October IS. The Axis in September arranged a strategy to meet Allied dispositions for a second front, said Rome radio. The Axis had a feeling that Britain, America and the Dominions were at long last hatching something—something less ridiculous than Dieppe and less short-lived than Guadalcanal.

EXPECTANT FEELING IN BRITAIN

Allied Move In Africa

(By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Special Australian Correspondent.) LONDON, October 18.

No representative'of a Dominion who has visited Britain since the war started has aroused greater interest or speculation than General Smuts, Prime Minister of South Africa, whose presence today is universally welcomed. From all sides pour in tributes to this great Empire statesman together with conjecture as to what will be the outcome of his visit. It has certainly intensified the feeling that Africa will be an important war centre this winter —which is a natural speculation in view of the present heavy attacks against Malta, which probably are being made as cover for convoys, and also in view of Dr. Goebbels’s recent incessant prophecies that the British will soon attack in Libya. General Smuts’s statement on his arrival that “I have continued to emphasize to the best of my ability the importance of the African theatres of war” is taken as a pointer of the tenor of his suggestions to the War Cabinet. Support for Goebbels’s forecast -is based on the following: It is possibly too late for a western offensive this year, and therefore the best aid which can be given to the Russians will be engaging the Germans in Africa, where the season and climate are at present favourable, in addition to which Rommel's menace to Egypt must be removed. Forces For Rommel.

There are also signs that the Germans are making a movement toward Africa, and that the Luftwaffe has begun a diversion to the Mediterranean, and German troops are reported to be moving to the Balkans. General Smuts’s presence is taken as indicting that the African theatres of war are lieing affected by great decisions in Loudon as well as by those in Berlin. Largely as a result of the speeches by President Roosevelt and Mr. Churchill, and comparisons with those of the German leaders, there is a new note of hope and expectancy abroad ; tempered by a feeling that, people are talking too soon and too confidently of Germany’s transition from flu? offensive to the defensive, specially in view of the Gormans’ further progress in Stalingrad and the preparations for action in Africa. Nevertheless, this feeling is healthy and invigorating. One of the blackest aspects of the war for the Allies remains the toll taken by German submarines, which are keeping up their relentless and incessant attacks, and can be expected to continue to do so.