NOW OR NEVER

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 77, 16 October 1942, Page 5

NOW OR NEVER

\xIS ATTAC K IN EGYPT PROBLEM FOR ROMMEL 'Rec. 11.30 a.m.) New York, Oct. 15. "A drive by Rommel may follow the Germans’ set back at Stalingrad.” says Major Eliot, writing in the "HeraldTribune” 'lt seems highly probable that 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 his offensive or fall back to more easily defended positions " Major Eliot believes the fact that the Germans appear to have failed in Russia and may be compelled to retire to defensive positions, admitting they cannot take Stalingrad will urge their political leaders to a face-saving success elsewhere. "The rising scale of United Nations’ air superiority in the Eastern Mediterranean must be regarded in Berlin as extremely ominous.” he says. “Very soon it may be impossible to reinforce and supply 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.” Paris radio quoted a Berlin report that Rommel had returned to Egypt and resumed command. Rome radio reported that General Allesandro Predieri. Commander of the Brescia Division, had been killed on the Egyptian front on Tuesday while carrying out. his duties. —P.A.