German Hopes For Next Spring

Taranaki Daily News, 24 August 1942, Page 3

German Hopes For Next Spring

Invasion of Britain if Russia smashed. Rec. 8.30 p.m. London, Aug. 22. Questioned . with reference to the opening of a second front in Europe, the Wilhelmstrasse military spokesman admitted that it was possible "provided it is attempted with sufficient men and equipment." The spokesman, who is quoted by the Times correspondent on the German frontier, added that failure to tfpen a second front would substantially improve Axis prospects for next spring if , as was hoped, the Russian campaign was concluded decisively by the end of September at the latest. Asked to define what he meant by "decisively,"' the spokesman said the German leaders now realised the impossibility of occupying the whole of Russia, hence the High Command must sooner or later choose a line to mark the extremity of the advance that could easily be held against Russian counterattacks and behind which economic exploitation of occupied Russia could proceed undisturbed. Little, however, would be gained if the Russians succeeded in

withdrawirig with their armies intact behind the Volga nor would the German purpose be achieved unless Russian military equipment was destroyed and resuscitation prevented Ly the occupation or paralysis of the supply routes through Persia, Murmansk and Archangel. The correspondent says that if the Russians were not smashed -and isolated they would, as last year, organise a winter offensive, thus keeping in the field several million Germans whose release during the winter for munitions making is vital if another offensive is to be undertaken next spring. In view of the approach of the winter, Marshal Timoshenko's continual retreats and delaying actions are causing the German High Gommand great uneasiness. The German High Command prefers great pitched battles, making possible the destruction of the Russian army. If the Russians were reduced to impotence before the end of September the winter interval would be employed in preparation for an invasion of England in the spring of 1943. Wide differences of opinion exist between German military experts about the feasibility of this plan, many being sceptical about its success unless Japan is induced to invade Siberia. Japan thus far has not undertaken to comply with the German wishes and has been less disposed ^to do so since the attack on the Solomons!