OPINION IN U.S.A.

Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 June 1942, Page 4

OPINION IN U.S.A.

WORRIED AND PUZZLED OVER LACK OF RESISTANCE AT TOBRUK. PROSPECTS OF SECOND FRONT AFFECTED. (By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright) (Received This Day, 12.25 p.m.) LONDON, June 22. A Washington message says opinion in the capital is not only worried but frankly puzzled by the extraordinary lack of resistance of the Libyan fortress compared with its defence last year. Whether it was planned or otherwise, it is now thought that Tobruk’s fall will figure centrally in the conferences between President Roosevelt and Mr Churchill. Some commentators feel that the fall of Tobruk alters the entire strategic picture and that the factors of time and place fox - a second front must be profoundly affected by it. General Rommel, it is pointed out, succeeded because the Germans still give battle to the Allies where and when they choose, while the Allies, constrained to be ready to parry blows at a dozen places at once, cannot gather offensive strength of decisive dimensions anywhere. ENEMY REPORT TOTAL OF 28,000 PRISONERS IN NORTH AFRICA. (Received This Day, 12.25 p.m.) LONDON, June 22. The Berlin radio claims that the number of British, South Africa and Indian nrisoners in North Africa totals 28,000. ESCAPES FROM TOBRUK SMALL PARTIES OF TROOPS. AND VESSELS IN HARBOUR. (Received This Day, 12.25 p.m.) LONDON, June 22. The Tobruk garrison comprised United Kingdom, Indian and South African troops, some of whom escaped. Small parties of troops reached the British lines, after making their way through enemy formations. Some small craft, loaded with supplies, and a few personnel escaped from Tobruk harbour, under tank and artillery fire.