PLANS FOR ATTACK IN EUROPE

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 103, 26 January 1943, Page 5

PLANS FOR ATTACK IN EUROPE

Allied Initiative HITLER’S ATTEMPT TO CONSERVE FORCES LONDON, January 24. Plans for a second front are again being discussed by Britain and the United States, says the diplomatic correspondent of the “Daily Express." President Roosevelt has made It clear that attacks against the Axis may be made at many points simultaneously. Heavy and sustained air attacks ou the European mainland are part of the Allies’ offensive plan, the correspondent says. It is now considered certain that to some extent the Germans are withdrawing voluntarily from parts of Russia to take advantage of shorter supply lines. The Germans may attempt to go over to static defence, contenting themselves with holding the Russian Army while freeing big forces for tiie defence of Germany from direct attacks from the west and south. _ The reluctance of the German Air Force to make large-scale attacks oa Britain is seen as anxiety to conserve planes and trained men for use against a direct Allied assault, rather than an actual shortage of planes. Hitler is on the defensive in the air and ou laud. He dare not gamble his air strength in ordinary air raids. , , Mr. Garvin, writing in the Sunday Express,’’ says: “Nineteen hundred and forty-three holds immense opportunities for the Allies. We dare not depend more upon glorious Russia than upon ourselves. Russia alone cannot win. M. Stalin himself would be the first to emphasize this warning. The whole of the vast Russian offensive was inspired and organized. That is perhaps the chief secret of its success. No mightier human agency, is known than organization and inspiration together.” New Agreements.

Reports received in New York state that the Allied leaders and Governments have reached new. agreements for the easier operation of strategy aud better political understanding. Plans are being made in Britain for the Home Guard to be the country’s first line of defence when the great offensive against the Axis takes place. Paris radio today said: “Germany will never capitulate. Even if her army is defeated in the east and has to retreat, Germany will continue to fight. The German Army will fight in the marshes of Poland, on the plains of Germany, or in the hills of France if necessary.” Algiers radio reports that Bulgarian soldiers are being sent to France, Belgium aud Poland to replace German troops who are needed on the Russian front.

GERMAN HOPES FROM

JAPAN Mutual Dependence

(By Telegraph,-Press Assn—Copyright.) (Special Correspondent.)

LONDON, January 24

“Germany is looking to Japan for help,” remarks the “Observer” iu tin article headed “Can Japan Save the Germans?”

It is sometimes suggested, the article says, that the Japanese do not care ver}' much for tbeir European partners. "That is a false conclusion, drawn from correct premises. Japan’s policy will be not to do anything which might go against her own interests. Therefore she will not embark on any venture merely to satisfy tlie demands of her allies: but. on tlie other hand Japanese interests dictate very definitely that the two naval Powers and I lie one land i’ower which can challenge her hegemony in Asia shall not be triumphant in Europe. To that extent, therefore, she is vitally interested in a German victory, and she will go to great lengths to prevent a German defeat.” In doing so, the article continues, the Japanese policy pursues its own ends, and the pattern of this policy is now becoming recognizable. Pointing out that Japan has uot increased her army in any appreciable form 'since Pearl Harbour, the writer says there have been numerous reports that the army is engaged in industrial, agricultural and road-building work in the Japanese-occupied countries. Everything points to the single fact that the Japanese are aiming at the greatest possible amount of industrial strength. Main Axis Object. "For the next six months," the article says. "it. will be tlie main Axis object to prevent tlie United Nations from Concentrating shipping which will enable the building up of a great Allied striking force for assault in Europe. Hitlers urgent need is to create a second trout against our shipping, while the U-boats are most; damaging in their onslaughts. His one great hope is Jnpiin.

“It is evident, that the Allies are given priority—rightly —in the European theatre of war. Sucli forces as are in the Pacific are maintained on the basis of strict economy of force. Only a major attack either against India or Australia could lend to an alteration in the present distribution of Allied shipping and armed forces. Germany must tide over the next critical eight months. She needs time. Her holies are staked on Tunisia and Japan. These alone can delay the great concentrated effort of the United Nations on offensive."