ALLIED POSITION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 February 1943, Page 3

ALLIED POSITION

AFFECTED BY AXIS SUCCESS THREAT TO BRITISH FIRST ARMY, FIERCE STRUGGLE PROCEEDING. LONDON, February 21. The “New York Times” correspondent in North Africa, Drew Middleton, says: “The entire Allied position in south-western Tunisia is affected by the German smash through the Kasse.rine gap, which has emphasised that the enemy is willing to commit large forces to the taking of essential geographical positions. Should Rommel swing west on the Tebessa communications it would seriously threaten all the British and American forces in that area, and if he turns northward against the rear areas of the British First Army a further adjustment in the Allied line will be necessitated to meet an attack on an open flank. “However, all indications are that Rommel will pursue his attacks in the Tebessa region. It is noteworthy that the movements in the last few days have left the Germans open to a coun-ter-attack from the north, but whether General Alexander can risk committing reserves to such action while General von Arnim waits at the head of the Majerda Valley is a difficult problem for the Allied commands. “The bulk of the best German troops are participating in the present offensive, the future of which will be dictated by the German tank losses. If the enemy recovers enough Allied tanks to replace his own losses it would give him reasonable security for the coming clash with the Eighth Army. “The Battle of Kasserine Pass is only the first step in a serious and threatening offensive from the east.” Another “New York Times” correspondent on the Tunisian front, J. Kluckhohn, says Rommel is employing the better part of three panzer divisions in an attempt to break through to Tebessa, from where lies reasonably flat ground to Constantine, to the northwest. His objective, is apparently to trap the First Army, which lies mostly east of Constantine. “The British and American army at the moment is on the defensive, but it is not beaten; rather is it grimly determined to break the German drive,” the correspondent says. Reuter’s correspondent in Algiers reports that British armoured forces are co-operating with the American armour in their attempt to throw back the German tanks and infantry from the Kasserine Pass, and a fierce struggle is in progress. With the loss of Ferinana and Kasserine, says the London “Evening Standard’s” military correspondent, the Allied fighters are no longer able to protect our bombers raiding the Axis supply ports of Gabes and Sfax, and also are unable to protect the road along which the Eighth Army may try to outflank the enemy. The developments have upset the timetable for the invasion of Europe, and they may also make fresh demands on supplies and shipping. TO SEEK PEACE AIM OF FINNISH CABINET. WILLING TO GRANT RUSSIAN CONCESSIONS. LONDON, February 21. The Stockholm correspondent of “The Times” says that the primary aim of the new Finnish Cabinet is to seek a separate peace with Russia at the first opportunity, according to informed Finnish quarters. The Finns are willing to grant territorial concessions with adjustments df the border, and they hope to induce the Vatican to act as an intermediary. The entire nation ardently desires peace and is firmly convinced that Germany has already lost the war. (A recent message, following upon the re-election of Dr. Ryti as President of Finland, announced that the Cabinet had resigned.)