Wairarapa Times-Age FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 1943. PROSPECTS IN TUNISIA.

Wairarapa Times-Age, 30 April 1943, Page 2

Wairarapa Times-Age FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 1943. PROSPECTS IN TUNISIA.

A SPOKESMAN at Allied Headquarters in North Africa was quoted in one of yesterday’s cablegrams as stating that prospects along the whole front in Tunisia are excellent. On the other hand an unnamed general, described as commanding part of the Eighth Army, was reported to have given a warning that the Axis forces holding out in the Tunisian bridgehead will fight to the last man and the last bullet, and further that: “There won’t be any quick and, crushing defeat of the Axis forces.”

On this matter the opinion of a fighting commander, on the spot is to be received with respect. It would be interesting to know, however, just when this statement was made. It seems likely that it was made before some, at all events, of the latest fighting—assaults on mountain and other positions which have been made at a grievous cost in Allied casualties, but have visibly done a great deal to weaken the enemy’s total defensive position.

The general who gave the warning is said, for instance, to 1 have drawn a contrast with earlier battles in which the enemy line disintegrated after one good gap had been punched in it by the Eighth Army, whereas in Tunisia, “every mountain involves a major attack.” Of the truth of the last-quoted statement there has been ample evidence during the last, few weeks, but the latest official and other reports in hand at time of writing attest that a stage has been reached, or closely approached, at°which a great part of the enemy’s defensive organisation is once again threatened with disintegration.

Particularly west of Tunis (east of Medjez el Bab) the First Army and other Allied forces are shown to have broken, or»to be about to break, into relatively open country. Further south, at Pont du Fahs, British and French troops are closely threatening the communications and supply lines, of the Afrika Korps and whatever other enemy elements are l acing the Eighth Army.

Taking account also of the unrelenting attacks of superior Allied air forces, of air and naval attacks on Axis sea communications and of the heavy bombing of enemy bases in Italy, Sicily and Sardinia, substantial grounds appear to exist for the statement of the Headquarters spokesman that prospects along the whole front in Tunisia are excellent. It is, of course, only too apparent that no easy or cheap victory is being won. Stories like that of the storming of the Takrouna crag by New Zealand troops, with the scaling of the crest by a little party of Maoris as its highlight, speak for themselves as to what is being demanded of our fighting men and of the manner in which demands are being met. There is every indication, however, that by heroic effort and at a bitter price long strides have been taken towards decisive victory in North Africa.

In some of the strong positions he still holds in high country, particularly in face of the Eighth Army, the enemy appears to be in danger of encirclement. In any case he has been dislodged from many immensely strong positions both in west and south, and in their attacks from the west the Allied armies have made extended progress towards the coast.

Even a remnant of the Axis forces may be able to lengthen out the defence of Bizerta, which is a formidable fortress and base, safeguarded by difficult approaches, powerfully armed and well provided with deep underground shelters. No doubt, however, even a stronghold of this character can be effectively isolated and masked by Allied land, air and sea forces.

Costly as the Tunisian campaign has proved and is still 'proving to the Allies—a state of affairs that was foreseen and provided for—it is likely to be in every way very much more costly to the enemy, at a direct view and in doing far less than he had hoped to delay Allied offensive action generally. The price in ships, aircraft and lives the Axis Powers have paid in attempting to strengthen their forces in Tunisia suggests that they look with deep apprehension to the position in which they will find themselves when the Allied conquest of North Africa has been completed.