MOMENT TO STRIKE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 November 1940, Page 5

MOMENT TO STRIKE

DERANGEMENT OF AXIS PLANS COMMENT ON ITALY’S POOR EFFORT BOLDEST REPLY THE BEST. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, October 31. The high morale of the Greek troops who are stoutly resisting the Italians has been enhanced by the prompt action of the Brtish Government in implementing its undertaking to give all possible assistance . Immediate measures include the mining by the British Fleet of areas in Greek waters, including the Gulfs of Patras and Corinth, guarding the approaches to the capital. The striking contrast between Italian caution and the German methods when dealing with small nations in the north is noted here and it is somewhat ironically remarked that it resembles the hesitant approach of Marshal Graziani rather than the .blitzkrieg technique favoured by Italy’s ally. Along the whole front the operations are in fact mere out-post affairs. Germany’s part in the attack on Greece is apparently at present confined to attempts to undermine confidence, and reports which are evidently inspired by Berlin spare no effort in suggesting that the Greeks are demoralised and on the point of collapse. The Greeks are unlikely to be impressed with these gross misrepresentations and information reaching London makes it clear that they are completely untrue. It is indeed probable that never before have the Greek Government and people been more united. There are indeed many indications that the Axis Powers have been surprised, and maybe their plans have gone awry because of the unexpected steadfastness of the Greeks.

Examining a suggestion that Germany might be willing to mediate between Italy and Greece, “The Times” says: “It is quite possible that mediation may have been produced at Florence simultaneously with aggression and that the real object of the present attack is to prepare the way for a diplomatic compromise arranged by Hitler as arbitrator, whereby Italy would be bought off* by the concession of strategic points to serve the immediate purpose of the Axis plans for the winter campaign. “Whether Mussolini’s plans are large or small, the boldest reply is likely to be the best. If he promised himself quick profit with limited liability, we have the chance to show him he cannot escape from his quarrel so lightly as he entered it and show the gallant Greek people that they are right to trust in the armed resistance of a pledged fight rather than in the diplomatic offices of a self-nominated arbitrator. “If operations on a grand scale are afoot, this is the moment to strike and strike hard. The inclusion of Greece and her islands upon the war map opens un a series of critical strategic points where superior seapower should yield decisive advantage.”