ROBBER LEADERS CONFER.

Evening Star, Issue 23699, 5 October 1940, Page 10

ROBBER LEADERS CONFER.

At their favourite meeting place, the Brenner Pass, the robber loaders of Germany and Italy have once more had a conference. News from the frontier eyrie suggests thaV whatever final decisions were made the preparatory details had been extensively worked out beforehand. Otherwise this particular gathering would have lasted more than the comparatively short time mentioned. One of the most salient impressions to be gained from the talks is that the blitzkrieg which was to have won the war by August has been an admitted failure —always provided, of course, that the, policy of the Axis Powers in seeking new allies and diverting attention to the Mediterranean and the African coast is not a gigantic bluff staged for the purpose of momentarily catching Great Britain off her guard. Still, it seems obvious enough that a successful assault on the Empire’s island fortress is fast becoming a sheer impossibility, resulting in the certain ■immobilisation of huge Nazi land forces in northern Europe. Any further attempt on the part of the Axis to win the war must be based on use of these land troops, and the most logical area for getting them into action now undoubtedly lies in the vicinity of the Mediterranean, where they would be able to co-operate with the Italians and at the same time stiffen these southerners for a task in the attempted carrying out of which they 'will be only too pleased to secure support. The fact tjiat the thieves may eventually fall out and the people of both countries lose interest in the campaign should not prevent the launching of a fairly comprehensive effort. It is interesting to note that neither Hitler nor Mussolini is as confident as he once was. The British Empire’s xefusal to collapse soon after France must indeed have been a grievous disappointment to Italy’s blustering “ strong man.”

The Dictators’ search for allies is becoming so frenzied that observers will be justified in assuming that an endeavour is being made not only to throw overwhelming forces into the lists against the determined British, but also to bolster up the morale of the civilian populations with tales of mighty diplomatic triumphs. But when nations frustrated in their aims begin thus furtively and desperately to seek new points for an offensive they are playing a losing game. Although no one can doubt that a vigorous Axis campaign in the Mediterranean areas would be troublesome to our own forces, there are plenty of reasons, including British naval and! air power, the accumulating resources of the Empire, and the sympathy of native races towards our cause, why there will be a devastating day of reckoning for the aggressors. The . “ damp squib ” represented by the freshening of the pact with Japan has been followed quickly by a redoubling of the efforts to involve Spain,,m the war as a definite Axis ally, and more than a suggestion of overtures to Russia. "War-torn Spain will not be keen for a resumption ofi hostilities on a larger scale than ever, besides which the country is to a great extent dependent on Britain for her economic security. Faced with the financial and economic aftermath of the Civil War, with its natural repercussions throughout the whole Peninsula, the Spanish Government has experienced no lessening of its problems, and, in point of fact, is extremely anxious gradually to restore normality. Fiery Fascist though he is said to he, Senor Suner may be sensible enough to realise in time to avoid further troubles at home the supreme folly of an alignment with the vicious dictator gamblers now spreading a net for the unwary. It has become customary to use the word “ enigma ” in connection with Soviet Russia. Nobody can be certain yet how she will act, if act she does. Her most likely course is to continue her neutrality and for some time longer remain content with her reputation for being an enigma. ft is inconceivable that the Soviet loaders would consider throwing in their lot with the Fascist cause. Parties of their political colour have received set-backs in both Spain and Franco, and it is difficult to imagine aid for China being withdrawn in order that a now and shaky friendship with Japan should be established. When it is remembered that both Great Britain and tho United States are also sympathetic towards China it would be right to adduce that the Kremlin lias some affinity with the democracies. Whether or not such tics will ultimately bring Russia into the war against Nazism and Fascism is quite another matter. There is no “ new order in Europe ” or “ new order in Asia ” about the ambitions of the Soviet Union. It thinks it has a plan for a new world order. In the meantime world civilisation has to be saved through the efforts of the British Empire, backed to groat limits by the United States of America. Very soon we shall have a surer indication as to whether the Axis Powers are really turning their attention in unison towards tho Mediterranean and preparing, ns is forecast by the 1 Popolo d’ltalia,’ for a long war as the inevitable alternative to the blitzkrieg that went awry.

New regulations enforced recently in Australia prohibit the export of wooden and wax matches except by the consent of the Minister for Trade and Customs. This proclamation was issued to control the increasing export of Australian-produced matches and to ensure adequate supplies for Australian requirements. Another proclamation prohibits the export of cut rabbit fur, this action being brought about to support the marketing control scheme for rabbitskins. The chairman of the Labour Bills Committee, to which the Shops and Offices Amendment Bill was referred by the House of Representatives, announced yesterday that the committee would meet on Wednesday morning at 10.30 to hear evidence. The latest contributions to the interest-free loans and donations, including £2,000 by Mr Byron Brown, of Wellington, for the duration of the war and six months after, bring the total to £2,587,115.

As a pre-requisite for entry into the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve many yachtsmen are studying to obtain their yachtinaster’s certificate, and schools of navigation in Wellington and Auckland are coaching a number of pupils in the art. including present and prospective members of the Air Force, in which navigation is also required. Until the war, few yachtsmen in the Dominion thought it worth while obtaining a yachtniaster’s certificate, but now that it has become necessary for certain classes of R.N.V.R. candidates, many amateur sailors are polishing up their knowledge of navigation and associated subjects to obtain the certificate.

“ You would not know the beach, as it lias been well fortified with barbed wire and cement pill-boxes, and our sky is combed by Hurricanes and Spitfires,” writes a resident of Britain to a friend in New Zealand. “ Indeed, this corner is called ‘ Death Valley,’ as no German raider has ever returned to his home. Fear is not in our hearts, but a deadly loathing for all Hitler and his satellites. This country is united, and with our grand colonial backing has naught to fear.”

A request is to he made to the Government to issue “ honour ” envelopes to the next-of-kin of members of .the Ne„w Zealand Forces serving overseas in order that letters referring to purely private and personal matters may not be censored. A decision to this effect was made at a meeting of the executive of the Auckland Metropolitan Patriotic Committee. It was pointed out that each member of the forces overseas is entitled each week to one “ honour ” envelope, and, if the declaration on the face of the envelope is signed, the letter may not be censored. It was pointed out that there were many matters of an intimate, private, and personal nature which should not be read by any third party. A stimulating expression of the manner in which British people are facing damage to their cities and homes by German air raids is contained in a letter received by an Auckland businessman, who wrote to an English manufacturer offering to take charge of his family during the war. In refusing the offer, the manufacturer wrote by air mail: “Were the situation as terrible as some of our friends overseas may be given to understand, I would take a different, attitude. Quite frankly, I think it is the feeling of at least the vast majority of families in England that they will stand no to the difficulties, no matter how hard they become, and see the whole thing through.” -i ■ The Territorial camp at Forbury Park, where the Southland Regiment is undergoing training, will be open to visitors from 1.30 till 5 o’clock to-mor-row afternoon

£635 was the result of the “ Daffodil Day ” appeal launched by the Plunket Society in the streets yesterday. This was a record collection, and, in view of the demands being made on the public purse, the response must be considered all the more gratifying, and eloquent testimony to the appreciation of the public of the splendid work the society is doing. Badges were on sale at vantage points throughout the city, while beautiful daffodils sent from Christchurch, the Lawrence district, and from various sub-branches of the society were sold and brought in satisfactory sums.

In the Police Court this morning Cyril James Reddington (34), for whom Mr C. H. Stevens appeared, was charged with using insulting language in the Woodhaugh Gardens yesterday and assaulting Constable J. H, Armstrong in the execution of his duty. Senior-sergeant Vaughan asked for a remand until Thursday next and this was granted, bail being fixed in the sum of £2O.

There will be no importation of Californian grapes this season, as this fruit has been declared a luxury by the Customs Department. In other years the markets, from October to December, have been supplied exclusively with the American grapes, so that this year there will be none of this fruit offering for sale until the season for the local product begins. Roughly, this latter season is from February until Easter time. The fact that the two seasons do not clash means that the new rule will not afford any protection to local growers. It will, ..however, he valuable as a means of conserving the dollar exchange. Noticed in a George street shop window this morning, an ordinary photo had no need of the pencilled label “ Sammy the Seal ” to show why it was there. It was a lifelike representation of Dunedin’s erstwhile mascot, even to the eyes and mouth and the questioning expression. Nature as an artist may be a bit impressionistic at times, but her work is always effective. Ten children evacuated from England will reach Dunedin from the north on Monday afternoon. Suitable arrangements have been made by the mayor (Mr A. H. Allen) for their reception.

A meeting of members of Scottish organisations of the city will be held on Tuesday afternoon to discuss a proposal for the Council of Scottish Societies to take part in the fair to be held on Saturday, October 19.

An address, ‘ Some Aspects of the War,’ will be given in the Town Hall on Tuesday, October 15, at 8 o’clock, by Mr Frank Milner, C M.G. A provisional programme provides for musical numbers by the Kaikorai Band, and solos by Miss Bertha Rawlinson and Mr Arthur Macdonald. The mayor (Mr A. H. Allen) will preside.