FIRM POLICY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 26 January 1943, Page 4

FIRM POLICY

NEEDED IN FRENCH NORTH AFRICA PLAIN SPEAKING IN BRITAIN BEARING ON THE TUNISIAN CAMPAIGN. DANGER, OF BACK-STABBING. (By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright) (Received This Day, 10.25 a.m.) LONDON, January 25. The expectation of a statement by the United Nations has been a matter for speculation in a majority of newspapers during the last few days. Commentators both in London and Washington are using phrases such as “broad outlines of patterns for victory,” and “one

world strategy, unifying plans of the Allies.” One guess is that the plans will include something approaching an Allied War Council comprising Britain, the United States, Russia and China; also some clear-cut policy regarding French North Africa. Regarding the North African position, the “Economist” makes some of the bluntest comments on the situation yet published. “There is now sufficient evidence from North Africa,” it states, “to show that one of the reasons why the Tunisian campaign is hanging fire is the degree of political sabotage and economic dislocation behind the lines. Tangier is still the entry and exit point for German agents. There is a steady leak of information through functionaries of all grades. Some reports speak of sabotage within the transport system, which at best is inadequate. Psychological sabotage, whispering campaigns, and the retailing of rumours, continue on a large scale. Economically, the most serious factor is the food and textile shortage.” The “Economist” adds that there is some danger of food rioting, and that a plague of hoarding, profiteering and black marketing is raging. It refers to the “brave and vigorous but somewhat bewildered figure of General Giraud,” and expresses the opinion that the temporary arrangements Admiral Darlan made to reinforce his position must be rescinded for a new and representative authority, and that honest administrators of the Weygand and Tassigny type, who were purged in 1941, probably would be the most reliable.

Regarding the economic position, the “Economist” suggests the introduction of methods used in Syria. “Each week lost in North Africa,” it observes,, “is a setback to the total strategy of the war. Only firm action in cleansing bureaucracy and ending the economic crisis can give the Allies the security they need behind the lines, and action must be speedy.” General rejoicing at the fall of Tripoli has been followed by greater attention to Tunisia.. It is accepted that the task of ousting the Germans will be very hard. One view is that the Germans will be in a strong position on condition that they have air superiority and can employ it to guard their sea supplies and communications between Bizerta and Sicily. It is believed, however, that they will more and more lack this superiority. Another view is that the position of the Allies might be considered menacing if the Eighth Army’s victory were left out of account, and it is from the Eighth Army that important assistance is looked for. Commenting on “the more confused political situation,” the “Observer” says it is difficult to escape the impression that we have al! the time been busy in French North Africa preparing ourselves for daggers which might stab us in the back at the first military reverse. FRENCH ADVANCE IN HILL COUNTRY SOUTH OF TRIPOLI. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 10.15 a.m.) RUGBY, January 25. General Leclerc’s headquarters states: “Our forward troops have penetrated into the Jebel Nefoussa. The fleeing enemy is being pursued without respite.” The Jebel Nefoussa is a range of hills lying west and south of Tripoli, about 50 miles from the shores of the Mediterranean. It is also 100 miles north of Misda, the capture of which was announced in yesterday’s communique.