WHO WILL STRIKE FIRST?

Evening Star, Issue 24284, 27 August 1942, Page 5

WHO WILL STRIKE FIRST?

(British Official Wireless.) Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright

(Received noon.) RUGBY, August 26. Messages from Cairo in the past 24 hours indicate that the present lull in Egypt may shortly end, and, as Mr Churchill told the officers and men of the Royal West Kents on his recent visit to the El Alamein scene of operations, “ Great events are afoot.” Whether General Alexander or Field-Marshal Rommel will make the first move none can foretell, but undoubtedly the moment is rapidly approaching.

Besides the increasing R.A.F. activity of the last few days, the Luftwaffe, which has been suspiciously quiet recently, has also renewed its efforts. Each side, therefore, is evidently expecting a speedy move from the other, and is preparing accordingly.

It is felt both in Cairo and London that when the struggle does start, the newly-acquired supplies, both of man power and material, will be a dominating factor, and the army which has been best able- to employ the lull in refitment and replenishment will begin with a definite advantage. At first sight it would appear that General Alexander has been handicapped in the race for reinforcement by Rommel’s shorter supply routes, but unceasing attacks fay the R.A.F. on Benghazi and other ports, and the toll taken of German shipping in the Mediterranean, as well as calls from the Russian front, have had considerable effect on Rommel’s reinforcements.

As regards General Alexander, it is known that replacements of men, guns, tanks, and planes have been rushed to the Eighth Army at astonishing speed in the past six weeks, and to-day that army is again strong and well equipped. The main question that arises is where Eommel will strike should he seize the initiative. Some opinion is inclined to the view that he will attack the northern sector with the idea of rapid capture of Alexandria, but an idea has also gained ground that he might make the attempt on the edge of the Qattara Depression, where the terrain offers good going. Whichever course he may take, General Alexander will need all his tactical powers and iron determination; but there is no doubt that every eventuality has been adequately taken into account.