PUBLIC WARNED

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 235, 1 July 1944, Page 7

PUBLIC WARNED

Many Difficulties Still Lie Ahead

GERMANY’S RESERVES (By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Received June 30, 5.20 p.m.) WASHINGTON, June 29.

A reason why the enemy reacted so slowly to the invasion was that he underestimated the Allied ability to land troops, said the Secretary of War, Mr. Stimson, at a Press conference. There was little doubt that the Germans were thoroughly surprised by the number of troops landed in the Normandy beachhead.

Other factors delaying the German counter measures were: First, the Germans feared a second landing elsewhere; and, secondly, the disruption of enemy transport by aerial destruction of railways, highways, and bridges. Mr. Stimson added: “The Luftwaffe is even less active now than in the first invasion week. We clearly have air supremacy over the battle zone and environs. Even over industrial points the German air strength appears to be approaching thinness.” He pointed out that in spite of such advantages which the Allies possessed, including the German slowness, many difficulties lay ahead. Other enemy troops were now being brought up to bulid up a reserve and counter-attack, and Germany still had many divisions available. Mr. Stimson characterized the liberation of.Cherbourg as brilliant and commendably speedy. A warning against over-optimism on the home front has been received by President Roosevelt from General Marshall, Admiral King, and General Arnold, says a White House statement. They pointed out: “The Allied forces in Europe-are more than a match for the enemy, and we can look forward to complete victory, but the war is not yet won. There is still a tough light entailing heavy losses ahead.”

The chiefs of staff have expressed concern lest the Allied successes in France, Italy and Russia should spread a notion that people can throw up their war jobs and return to civilian lifer' They pointed out that such an attitude would result in decreased production at a critical moment in the war. The next six months will bo the most critical production period the United States has ever faced, according to Air. Jared Ingersoll, chief of the Philadelphia ordnance district. Many plants must retool and increase facilities to meet new’ ordnance contracts. Mr. Ingersoll added that General Eisenhower and the High Command do not think the war will end as soon as the wishful thinking public believe.