TOBRUK OR DUNKIRK?

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 98, 20 January 1943, Page 5

TOBRUK OR DUNKIRK?

Coming Struggle In

Tunisia

(Received January 20, 1.20 a.m.)

LONDON, January 19. The operations of the Eighth and First Armies have so far been separate campaigns, but ultimately they will form the right and left wings of a combined movement to drive the Germans from Tunisia, says the "Daily Mail’s” correspondent, Ward Price, cabling from Algiers. There are indications, he says, that Rommel will not make a stand at Tripoli, which the R.A.F. rendered useless to him as _ a supply base. He is drawing supplies from Tunisian ports, whence he has shipped light craft along the coast to meet his retreating army. . It is thought possible that he intends to join up with Nehring, when they will try to turn the northern peninsula or Tunisia into a Tobruk on a grand scale. Our commanders are confident of turning it into a Mediterranean Dunkirk, and though the German position is certainly strong the highest quarters are full of confidence. The Allied armies could hold the enemy in his positions while the navy and air force cut his seaward life-line. . ■ Mr. Price replies .“No,” to, the question as to whether it would be possible for the First Army to cut off Rommel at Gabes in south Tunisia, pointing out that another spell of rainy weather is now due and it mifjht bog the advancing forces and immobilize the communications. Moreover, such an advance would be exposed to attacks on both flanks by the German forces.