POSSIBLE CHANGES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 24 March 1942, Page 3

POSSIBLE CHANGES

IN THE MIDDLE EAST PROMOTION OF YOUNGER COMMANDERS. DESPERATE ENEMY EFFORT ANTICIPATED. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) LONDON, March 22. The military correspondent of the “Daily Express” says the conference held in Cairo between the Middle East chiefs and the Lord Privy Seal, Sir Stafford Cripps, is likely to lead, first, to the replacement of the seniors officers commanding the region by younger men; secondly, to General Wavell’s command possibly being extended .over all the forces instead of only the army on both the eastern and western flanks of India; and, thirdly, to aggressive steps to disperse the concentration of enemy strength facing Syria in Greece and the Greek islands. Feeling is strengthening that at least repercussions will be felt in Libya of the German spring offensive against Russia, says “The Times” Cairo correspondent. The Axis, it is believed, is making desperate efforts to reinforce Rommel’s army, while the presence of considerable enemy concentrations in the Dodecanese is no longer a secret. Observers are inclined to discount the originally-held theory that the concentrations have been made with the object of an attack against Turkey, and it is now felt that a strong attack will be made against our forces in the Middle East. The Eighth Army is ready to meet such an attack. The long breathing space since Rommel began his drive from Agheila has enabled the complete reorganisation and re-equipment of our forces. Sir Stafford Cripps has arrived at Karachi by air, states a New Delhi message, which adds that he was met by Sir Hugh Dow, Governor of Sind Province, and other officials. The journey to New Delhi will be continued tomorrow, it is understood.