OFFENSIVE PLANS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 25 January 1943, Page 4

OFFENSIVE PLANS

SUPPORT FOR GLORIOUS RUSSIAN EFFORT I DISCUSSED IN LONDON. HOME GUARD READY TO DEFEND BRITAIN. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) (Received This Day, 11.5 am.) LONDONfi * 24., “Second front plans fere again being discussed by Britain and the United States,” says the “Daily Express” diplomatic correspondent. “President Roosevelt has made it clear that attacks against the Axis may be made at many points simultaneously. Heavy and sustained air attacks on the European mainland are part of the Allies’ offensive plan.”

The correspondent says it is now consideerd certain that to some extent the Germans are withdrawing voluntarily from parts of Russia to take advantage of shorter supply lines. The Germans may attempt to go over to a static defence and content tliemselves with holding the Russian Army, while freeing big forces for the defence of Germany from direct attacks from the west and south. The reluctance of the German Air Force to make large-scale attacks on Britain is seen as indicating anxiety to conserve planes and trained men for use against a direct Allied assault .rather than an actual ' shortage of planes. Hitler is on the defensive in the air and on land. He dare not gamble air strength in ordinary air raids. Mr J. L. Garvin, writing io the' “Sunday Express,” says 1943 holds immense opportunities for the Allies. “We dare not depend more upon glorious Russia than upon ourselves,” he adds. “Russia alone cannot win. Stalin himself would be the first to emphasise this warning. The whole vast Russian .offensive was inspired and organised. That is perhaps the chief secret of its success. No mightier human agency is known than organisation and inspiration' together.” Reporfc received in New York state that the Allied leaders and governments have reached agreements for an easier operation of strategy and better political understanding. Plans are being made in Britain for the Home .Guard to be the country's first line of defence when a great offensive against the Axis takes place.