“NOW OR NEVER”

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 20916, 16 October 1942, Page 4

“NOW OR NEVER”

NAZI PUSH LIKELY CAMPAIGN^IN EGYPT "FACE-SAVING" MOVE (By Telegraph —Press Assn. — Copyright.) (1.30 p.m.) NEW YORK, Oct. 15. A drive by General Rommel may follow the Germans’ setback at Stalingrad, says Major Fielding Eliot, the military correspondent, writing in the Herald-Tribune. It seems highly probable that General Rommel is again in difficulties because of the precarious supply situation. He cannot remain indefinitely where he is. His line of communications is too long and too difficult. He must either get on with the offensive or fall back to more easily defended positions.

Maior Eliot believes the fact that the Germans appear to have failed in Russia and may be compelled to retire to defensive positions, admitting that they cannot take Stalingrad, will urge their political leaders to face a saving success elsewhere.

The rising scale of the United Nations’ air superiority in the eastern Mediterranean must be regarded in Berlin, as extremely ominous. Very soon it may be impossible to. reinforce and supply General Rommel at, all. Hence, if a German attack is coming, it is probably now or never. It may be added that the season of good campaigning weather in Africa is just beginning. The Paris radio quoted a Berlin report that General Rommel had returned to Egypt und resumed the command.

The Rome radio reported that General Aiiesandro Predieri. commander of the Brescia division, was killed on the Egyptian front on Tuesday while carrying out his duties.