The Evening Star WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1942. THE TWO LEADERS.

Evening Star, Issue 24325, 14 October 1942, Page 2

The Evening Star WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1942. THE TWO LEADERS.

There is a strong undercurrent of confidence in the speeches delivered this week by Sir Churchill and Mr Roosevelt, and these leaders give adequate reasons for their confidence. In brief, they are that the advantages in men and materials possessed by the Axis are not merely being reduced to a common level, but that the pendulum has swung definitely in favour of the United Nations. As America’s President puts it, their strength is on the up grade, while the reverse is the case with the Axis countries. The American and British people are united in ono aim, and that is completely to destroy the military power of Germany, Italy, and Japan, and so put an end to their aggressive designs. There is no sign of weakening or hesitation on the part of the democracies’ leaders. They seo their goal, and there will bo no respite or stay until it is reached. In this war perhaps the greatest surprise to the civilised world has been the magnificent stand of the Russians. Hitler hurled his legions, flushed with many victories, against the Soviet forces in a supreme attempt to gain a quick and favourable decision so that he might give his attention to other theatres of war. The enormous German sacrifices were made in vain. Russia stands firm and resolute, and the idle boastings of the Nazi leaders have been turned to unconvincing excuses. There is now no talk of the victory stands in Berlin being used for jubilant demonstrations. The German %ar machine has so far been frustrated in its Russian adventure, and in the pictu:esque phrasing of Mr Churchill the “ dull, low whining note of fear can be heard.” Too much, however, cannot be assumed from the presenttindications. The German striking power, notwithstanding the immense losses that have been sustained, is still formidable, and the military leaders are no doubt rearranging and devising plans to meet tho conditions that now obtain. Tho Nazis are so deeply involved that only complete defeat or internal troubles in Germany can bring the war to a quick end, and of these two factors there is no sign. As indicated by Mr Churchill, the greatest problem facing the United Nations arises from U-boat warfare, but there is good reason for supposing that the combined efforts of tho British and American naval and air forces will find a solution. What gives ground for particular encouragement is what Britain’s Prime Minister calls the definite growth of Allied air superiority over Germany, Italy, and Japan, the devastating effects of the bombing of the great industrial enemy centres, the pro-; digious productive efforts of Britain and America, and the evidences of revolt in France, Belgium, and other occupied countries. Hatred of the Nazi regime is widespread, and there is •reason to believe that the people of Italy are utterly disillusioned by their disastrous experiences as a result of the Axis partnership.