REGARDED SERIOUSLY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 31 January 1941, Page 5

REGARDED SERIOUSLY

SOME AMERICAN REPORTS DISCOUNTED.

'Fly Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) LONDON, January’ 29. It is stated in authoritative circles in London that, important though the operations in Africa and Albania are, it is recognised that. Britain is tin? object of the main German thrust, and an invasion of the British Isles is the greatc'.f danger. It would be a dift’icnlt enterprise, but in certain circiinistance.g German troops might get across.

A warning that if invasion did come it would be on such a scale that every parl of the British Isles would be affected has been given by Earl de la Warr, who said that Britain had prepared to make the whole of the United Kingdom a battlefield, in which every town and village would take a part in meeting and repulsing the enemy.

Earl de ia Wnrr, who is assistant commissioner of the south-east region. said that if the towns and villages of Kent and Sussex had the honour to bear the brunt of the campaign. he thought that in future years they would thank God for having had the privilege of being among those who fired the first shots in stemming the tide of Nazi savagery and barbarism on British soil

Authorities in London discount American reports that 18,000 German planes are standing ready to bring 250,000 troops to invade Britain, says "The Times.” Aeronautical experts pointed out that such a force would be an ideal target for bombers, unless properly dispersed, which would require almost the whole territory under German occupation. There is no reason to believe that invasion preparations have appreciably advanced in recent weeks, "The Times” adds 'Hie German undoubtedly have a number of Junker 52 troop-carriers, but it is probable they are used to transport troops and airmen to and from Germany on leave. NEUTRAL OPINIONS. Two neutral views of Germany's chances against Britain are published today The Madrid newspaper ”Informationv,” usually pro-Axls, says that air action against British industry, however strong and efficient, would be unable to kill the Empire's production After reviewing the air offensive it says that that is not enough to beat a country’ which despite bombardment had strengthened its morale. To beat Britain. Germany must either land troops or cut communications with the Empire. The Soviet Army paper. "Red Star,” discussing invasion prospects, says: "The British war machine is working on new principles. Germany would need colossal strength to attack the British Isles with any chance of success. It is extremely doubtful if the powerful German military innchina could ever cross witter guarded by th% British Fleet.”