BRAZIL AT WAR

Evening Star, Issue 24283, 26 August 1942, Page 5

BRAZIL AT WAR

SECRET AIRFIELD DISCOVERED

PCWERFUI TRANSMITTER SEIZED

NEW YORK, Aug. 24. The Rio <ie Janeiro correspondent of the ‘"New York Post ’ says that the Brazilian Air Force discovered a secret airfield at Formosa, in Goyaz State, 600 miles from the capital, where they captured a powerful radio transmitter and the operators. Another clandestine transmitter was discovered in a concentration camp for Axis spies at Flower Island.

SUPPORT FOR BRAZIL

FRIENDSHIP OF OTHER REPUBLICS

WASHINGTON, Aug. 24. Argentina, Peru, and Chile have granted Brasil non-belligerent rights, thereby enabling Brazil to use their ports and airfields Chile and Argentina arc the only American countries now maintaining diplomatic relations with the Axis. ■ The Interamerican Defence Board, composed of military representatives of the 21 American republics, unanimously voted for adherence to friendship on the occasion of Brazil’s declaration of war.

The passing of the resolution was followed by a typical Latin American demonstration. At the suggestion of the Argentinian Military Attache, the Chilean delegate, Senor Espinosa, who presided, embraced the Brazilian delegate, Dr Bittencourt, amid applause. Sonor Espinosa told the meeting that “ Chile cannot remain silent and indifferent over the sinkings of Brazilian ships. My country will continue loyal, sincere, effective, and practical collaboration within tlie already > defined policy of continental solidarity.’’ A Rio de Janeiro message states that military police occupied all the German and Italian banks as part of a nation-wide measure to paralyse the business and financial enterprises of Germans and Italians. Thousands of volunteers lined up at recruiting centres throughout the country, and patriotic volunteers mobbed the War Ministry.

ANOTHER TANKER SUNK

LONDON, Aug. 24

The Brazilian ' Government has _ announced the sinking of the Brazilian tanker .Louisiana, which was laden with oil and hound for Rio de Janeiro.

STRATEGIC POSSIBILITIES

CONTROL OF SOUTH ATLANTIC

(Rec. 11.25 a.m.) NEW YORK, August 25. American military experts agree that Brazil’s entry into the war opens entirely new and probably decisive strategic possibilities. Major Seversky says Brazil’s participation cannot be over-estimated, and, indeed, may become a major element for ultimate victory. Air power makes Natal and Perambuco as vital strategic points as Gibraltar, Suez, and the Dardanelles, because the Brazilian Atlantic bulge from Natal to Perambuco control the South Atlantic gateway to world communications. This bulge makes direct aerial transatlantic bombardment possible. Major Seversky concludes: The struggle for decisive control of the South Atlantic gateway is now inevitable—either the United Nations will dominate it from Natal or the Axis from Dakar.

Major Eliot, in the ‘ Herald-Tribune, emphasises the importance for controlling the submarine menace, and asserts that with Brazilian bases available for the Allies it will be possible to seal the narrow South Atlantic gatcwav and consequently check definitely U-boat war.

NAZI LEAFLET RAID

HEW ZEALAHI LSHES IN EGYPT

(N.Z.E.F. Official War Correspondent.) WESTERN DESERT, Aug. 23. Leaflets have been dropped over the New Zealand . lines from German planes during the last two evenings. The wind carried most of them miles away, but those which reached their mark are highly prized as souvenirs. They are addressed to “ the men ot New Zealand,” and consist mostly ot ■ a tirade against the English and claims of German successes. On the reverse side is a fair representation ot a kiwi among mountain palms. I have watched several groups ot soldiers reading them,' and have wished the perpetrator was there to see the effect. He would not waste paper or petrol If he could hear the New Zealanders’ derisive remarks. The leaflets are a welcome change- from bombs, none of which have fallen for several days. Well forward in the New Zealand positions, is a captured Italian 75mm gun which Maori - infantrymen are using every day with success against the enemy. “ Hey, Digger, how do you use this thing?” tho Maoris asked artillerymen when they were first attracted by the gun’s_ possibilities. Tho gun was without sights, and so the artillerymen suggested they should aim it by looking through the barrel. The Maoris did not know how to open the breech, and when this was explained to them they were left to their own devices. Much to everybody’s amazement soon afterwards the gun was fired, and has continued to tire at intervals ever since. The Maoris’ methods show a total disregard of almost all the principles of artillery fire. A shell is just shoved into the breech without being rammed borne, a few handfuls of cordite are placed in the cartridge case, and when this is in position and the breech .closed the gun is ready to fire. With a long length of telephone wire attached to the trigger the Maoris retire to slit trenches. A sharp tug on the wire and the gun fires. If the range is short, an extra handful ot cordite is added to tho next charge—and if it is too long the charge is reduced. By this method the Maoris have harassed the enemy in his forward positions at a range of about I.oooyds.

LENO-LEASE AGREEMENTS

“ REVERSE AID " FLAM NEW YORK. August 25. 'The Washington correspondent of the ‘ New York T : ™cs ’ savs Mr Cordell Hull and Lord Halifax discnssed a new series of lend-lease agreements designed to provide more ■ specifically ' for the “ reverse aid ” which Britain is furnishing American troops in ‘England and Northern Ireland. ‘ The Times ’ adds that similar conversations have already been or soon will be initiated with New Zealand and Australia.