AXIS ALARM

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21113, 5 June 1943, Page 3

AXIS ALARM

DANGER ALLIED LANDINGS prospects” reviewed NORWAY TO GREECE (By Telegraph—Press ABsn.—Copyright.) (British Ollicial Wireless.) (9.30 a.m.) RUGBY, June 4. Reports from Axis sources indicate that the enemy views with growing alarm the prospect of landings by Allied troops on the continent ol Europe. Tne reports seem mainly concerned with the Italian coast, out while public expectations in Britain are mainly fixed on that theatre otner parts of Europe are by no means neglected in reviews of the situation. It is recognised that the possibility of a continental land oltensive has been created Dy the resistance 01 Russia wmcn continues to absorb some two-thirds ot the land forces, about half the air strength, and tne greater part of the military and industrial resources oi the enemy. In the lirst place, Sicily and Sardinia are regarded as likely objectives since an invasion there would have a lighter umbrella. The two islands in Allied hands would be stepping stones to the north shores ol the iviediterranean and safeguards to shipping passing through to the east. Nevertheless, it is pointed out that Italy has disadvantages as well as advantages as an objective. Its conquest would give access to southern Germany, France, and the Balkans ana would eliminate a large hostile fleet. On the otner hand, the Germans by stiffening the Italians with troops atia specialists, could make the ■ undertaking very lormidable. They hope, by lighting a rearguard action throughout the summer, to delay the Allies while*they make a third attempt to defeat Russia. Even if they lost Italy they could still keep Italian labour in Germany and no longer need supply coal, steel, and oil 1° their ally. The southern rampart oi their inner fortress would still be intact along the Alps. Help From population Another possibility for the Allies in the south is thought to be by a descent on Greece and its islands from Gyrenaica and Egypt. They would be helped by the population and migm therefore, hope to establish landings .—.pile the distance across the sec from their shore-based aircraft. It is recognised that Greece leads to no vital objectives, except across vast stretches of mountains, out tne possibility, with the help of friendly populations, of crossing those barriers and reaching the Danubian plain is taken into account. The coasts of northern France and the Bow Countries are probably tne most strongly held area on the continent; but they offer a long stretch oi coast within easy reach of all types ol aircraft from England and flat campaigning ground leading at no very great distance to vital objectives in Germany. . A fourth possibility envisaged is Norway. The long coast offers many opportunities, but its isolation from the main theatres is thought to rule it out as a main objective. No doubt is felt, however, that at most important points coast defences are likely to provide means of still resistance whicn may prove cosily to overcome. The fortifications may be immensely strong at the most vulnerable and accessible points, but at others they would be less so and over long stretches do not exist, though in most of the latter places may be within range of gun or battery. The value of such defences, however, would seem to depend on the strength of the reserves and the air forces available to support them. Not only must tactical reserves be ready to seal breaches, but a strategic reserve also to defeat an offensive and expel the invader. Problem of Transport Perhaps the Allies’ biggest problem is the assembly and arrangement oi shipping to transport the men, equipment, and supplies and to maintain them for an indefinite period. This problem is now in some ways simpler than it was for the Norm African landings, because the distances at present involved are so much shorter and the shipping resources have been increasing for many months past. The situation as seen from the enemy’s viewpoint is thought to turn on the ability of the Germans to holcl the Allies in the outworks of their continental fortress until they have had a third opportunity to attempt to cripple Russia. Another powerful blow at Russia is still thougnt probable, though the Germans tnemselves have been discounting such an event. Confidence, however, is expressed that this year’s campaign will be more favourable to the Russians than last. Meanwhile, the air offensive against German industries and German anct Italian airfields and communications is universally regarded as an essential preparation which will facilitate the task of the United Nations troops.