PLANS AWRY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24422, 7 October 1940, Page 7

PLANS AWRY

AXIS PARTNERS NEED TO CONFER DISAPPOINTED HOPES MOUNTING LIST OF DEBITS i British Ollicial Wireless) (United Prcsb Association) (By Electric Telegraph—-Copyright) RUGBY, Oct. 5. (Received Oct. 6, at 9.15 p.m.) Diplomatic circles in London do not appear to be greatly impressed by the exceedingly vague content of the official statement pul out after the three hours’ conference of the Axis leaders at Brenner. As the Daily Telegraph points out, two fields of action have been tempting the Axis leaders following the disappointment of their hopes of an early British collapse. These are the Balkans and Africa. ‘ There are, however, rivalries between the German and Italian interests in the Balkans which the Axis has done little to compass.” Orders for Mussolini? Africa may be easier than the Balkans to divide on paper and Mussolini might be willing to accept orders, since he must face the fact that on the sea the German Navy is in no case to assist the Italian or cavil at its eminent caution

The Daily Telegraph sums up by referring to 1 rumour talks of some major move and whispers of peace proposals.” It is equally possible,” it states. ‘ that the suggestion of an offered oeace may cloak the imminence of fresh military action or that another sham of pacific intentions may be offered us. We are ready for the first and we shall not be deceived by the second.” Luftwaffe’s Failure Although all the British newspapers give prominence to the meeting of the Axis leaders little editorial comment is made. The Daily Telegraph, under the heading “ Next Move,” slates: “ Hitler met Mdssolini on the Brenner Pass in the middle of March and then arranged that Italy should wait to enter the war till Germany disposed of France. In the middle of June they conferred again to divide the spoils. Since that time everything has gone awry with the dictatorships. The Luftwaffe was to have overwhelmed the British Air Force and opened our shores to mass invasion long before this. Italy should have swept the Mediterranean, cut off our armies in the Near East and struck at the central communication of the Empire. Berlin advertised that it would celebrate Germany’s total triumph last month.” Speaking of yesterday’s meeting, the Daily Telegraph says: “ When Hitler shook hands with Mussolini they were able to exchange congratulations on the shattering defeat of the Luftwaffe, on the destruction of the flotillas of invasion, on the continually heavier bombing of Germany’s war machine, on the recurring flights of the Italian Fleet, the incapacity of the Italian Air Force and the prolonged hesitation of the Italian Army hundreds df desert miles away from the Nile and the Suez canal.” ..