GEN. SMUTS VISIT

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 20918, 19 October 1942, Page 2

GEN. SMUTS VISIT

LONDON SPECULATION AFRICAN WAR FRONTS FEELING OF EXPECTANCY (By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright.) (Special Correspondent.) (11a.m.) LONDON, Oct. 18. No Dominion . .statesman visiting Britain during. the war 'has aroused greater interest and speculation than General J. C. Smuts; Prime Minister of South Africa, whose, presence to-day is universally welcomed. ■ From all sides pour tributes to this great Empire statesman, together with the conjecture on what Will be the outcome of his visit. It has certainly intensified the feeling that Africa will be an important war centre this winter —which /is. no mere speculation in view of the present heavy attacks against Malta, which are probably cover for convoys, and also in view of Dr. Goehbels’ recent incessant prophesies that the British will soon attack in Libya. General Smuts’ statement, “I continue to emphasise to the best of my ability the importance of the African theatres of war,” is taken as a -pointer to the tenor of his suggestions to the War Cabinet. Menace Must Be Removed

Support for Dr. Goebbels’ forecast is based on the following: It is,possibly too late for a western offensive this year, for which reason-, the best aid which can be given to Russia will be by engaging the Germans in Airica, where the season and climate, are at present favourable. In addition, General Rommel’s menace to Egypt must be removed. There are. also signs that the Germans are making a movement towards Africa, that the Luftwaffe has begun a diversion to...the Mediterranean, and that German troops are reported.to be moving to the Balkans, j General Smuts’ presence is taken as indicating that the African > theatres are being affected by great decisions in London as well as by those in Berlin. Largely as a result of the speeches by President Roosevelt and Mr. Winston Churchill, in comparison with (hose of the German leaders, there is a new note Qf hope and expectancy abroad, tempered by the .feelipg ..that people , are tajfting too , soph nnd-.too confidently' Germany’s transition from the offensive to the defensive, especially in view. .of .the- Germans’ further progress at Stalingrad and-preparation for Africa. Nevertheless this feeling is health^. and .invigorating One. of the blackest aspects of the war for the Allies ..remains the toll. taken .by German submarines, which are keep-ing-lip relentless and incessant attacks and can be expected to continue to do SO. i "' i - . V