AFRICAN THEATRE

Southland Times, Issue 24879, 20 October 1942, Page 5

AFRICAN THEATRE

General Smuts’s Suggestions (Special Correspondent, N.Z.P.A.) LONDON, October 18. No Dominion statesman visiting Britain during the war has aroused greater interest or speculation than General J. C. Smuts, Prime Minister of South Africa, whose presence today is universally welcomed. From all sides pour tributes to this great Empire statesman together with conjecture about what will be the outcome of his visit. It has certainly intensified the feeling that Africa will be an important war centre this winter. This is no mere speculation in view of the present heavy attacks against Malta, which are probably a cover for convoys and also in view of Dr Goebbels’ recent incessant prophesies that the British will soon attack in Libya. General Smuts on his arrival issued a statement in which he said: “I shall continue to emphasize to the best of my ability the importance of the African theatres of war.” This is taken as a pointer of the tenor of his suggestions to the War Cabinet. Support for Dr Goebbels’ forecast is based on these facts. It is possible that it is too late for a western offensive this year. For this reason the best aid which can be given to Russia will be to engage the Germans in Africa, where the season and the climate at present are favourable. In addition Field-Mar-shal Erwin Rommel’s menace to Egypt must be removed. There are also signs that the Germans are making a movement towards Africa. The Luftwaffe has begun a diversion in the Mediterranean and German troops are reported to be moving to the Balkans. General Smuts’s presence is taken as indicating that the African theatres are being affected by great decisions taken in London as well as in Berlin.