FIGHT REACHED PEAK

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 108, 1 February 1943, Page 5

FIGHT REACHED PEAK

Speech By Goering

(Received January 31, 7 p.m.) LONDON, January 30.

Berlin radio introduced FieldMarshal Goering as the mouthpiece of all Germans, expressing their unshakable will to fight.

“For 10 years we have had had only one opponent—Communism,” said Goering. "Ten years ago it was an internal and glow it is an external struggle. I need not remind you of our unique military successes: Germans began to regard victory as a foregone conclusion. However, fate does not easily render such a gift. “We once thought we had won everywhere and that the war would soon end. The East was not regarded as dangerous, and we even had an economic understanding with Russia. We had just seen small, gallant Finland fight heroically against that vast empire. We thought, ‘What danger could possibly conic from Russia?’ “It lias required ail the lust, winter’s hardships for the Germans to realize' that Russia’s war against Finland was (lie cleverest and greatest camouflage in history. The Russians used a few armies equipped with obsolete weapons in Finland, but they had spent 15 years building up the most powerful armaments any nation hud ever assembled. “Russia built 1000 aerodromes in Poland. Wc found that Russia possessed from three to five times more planes and ten times more tanks than we supposed. “Cowards said, ‘Let us not touch Russia.’ Hitler, knowing the extent of the Russian armament, decided to avert the destruction of Europe, realizing that it was Germany’s most difficult war. Hitler's wall of Germans today protects Europe. If the wall collapses, Europe will be easy prey for Bolshevism. "Hitler on June 22. 1941, look the most important, the boldest, and most admirable decision. The Reichswehr, in spite of everything, smashed into Russia, and we were driving ahead victoriously when Fate administered the first cheek. Nature's elements rose against us. Hitler, in spite of the weakness of certain leaders who were whining before him, held the eastern front, and then in the spring we routed the enemy with one blow after another. Second Winter. “Then came the second winter —less severe than the first, but the Reichswehr is spread out in an enormous arc. and the winter is still cold enough to take away natural obstacles. Sectors which could be held by companies have now needed regiments. The Russians clearly see that thev can only continue if they regain their coal and iron. The Russians are sending to the front tired old men and 18-year-old boys, who arc being driven to death. The Soviet losses will be published at the right time; they make one shudder, but Stalin has enormous masses at his disposal. These masses broke into our lines at several points. Russia is now mobilizing its lust reserves. We have beaten them so far. and we will do so again, but tlie battle is bard, “We are not lighting on one front alone. On all fronts German armies are bleeding. lint the victorious Hitler has ordered mobilization of all men and women. Most Germans understand —though some of the grumblers forget—that they have been for three years undisturbed. I appeal to the people and the army for the utmost effort, not because we are on our last legs, ns the enemy claims', but because the fight has reached its peak. Summer Offensive Promised. “It is hard when bombs kill women and children, but this must be borne. We shall not weaken. England is committing the greatest treachery against Europe. Many ask why we gel bombs in the Ruhr and elsewhere without retaliation. You must, not forget, that we are on a vast batllefront; but the lighting will finish in the east and an avenging hand will strike." Addressing the forces. Goering said that the situation was never so had that Ger many was unable to overcome it. "I know that the Germans in the summer will be attacking again, more powerful and better equipped, and that they will make up for the Stalingrad sacrifices.” he said. "I ask you to accept my unshakable confidence in Germany victory, arising from a recognition of the facts and faith in justice. Hitler in 10 rears has led os from poverty and impotence to victory. We must give him devotion and absolute loyalty.”