INVASION HOUR

Wairarapa Times-Age, 21 August 1943, Page 3

INVASION HOUR

RAPIDLY-MULTIPLYING SIGNS DECISIONS AT QUEBEC NO ORDINARY CONFERENCE. (Bv Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright) QUEBEC, August 19. “There are rapidly-multiplying signs that the hour of invasion of continental Europe is at hand, and that the Allied High Command has given the go-ahead order to the massive amphibious forces which are poised to strike at Germany’s western flank,” says the correspondent of the Associated Press of Great Britain. “The timing and co-ordination of the many complex factors which, are involved in such a gigantic operation are regarded as the principal aspects of the war which are under consideration by the High Command. "It is believed that the High Command has definitely decided against trying to win the war primarily by strategical bombing. An impression prevails in Quebec that one of the problems before Messrs. Roosevelt and Churchill has been to speed up the invasion preparations to take advantage of the military predicament which the Germans have been placed in by the Red Army. The belief is that Italy will be the scene of but one of several assaults in the next few weeks if it is right to expect that the main blow will be delivered from England at Europe's northern coast. “Another task of the conference is to name the commander for the European area. The speculation in this connexion revolves round General Alexander, while General Montgomery may be chosen for an offensive from India against Burma." The British Minister of Information, Mr Brendan Bracken, told a Press conference in Quebec today that Messrs. Roosevelt and Churchill are developing plans to "bomb, burn and ruthlessly destroy the people who were responsible for creating this war.”

He added: "I think the war is going well indeed, but it will last a long time and will be very hard. When we have rounded up Mister Hitler, the whole might of the British Empire will be given over to the task of dealing with the Japanese, who are a ruthless and savage people.” Mr Bracken emphasised that Britain intends to exact the most examplary punishment from Japan. “We intend to use every ounce of strength we have against Japan.” he said. "As you know, we have some good sailors and accomplished bomber crews.” Mr Bracken declared that this was not an ordinary conference. Military decisions of vital importance were in the making at the Citadel, where the two leaders were conferring on a round-the-clock basis. The Minister warned the correspondents not to expect real factual information “from the two oysters in the Citadel.” “However,” he added, ‘the time is coming when Hitler and Tojo and their tribe of gangsters will get the news from Quebec. The news will come from the men in the Citadel through their generals, admirals, and air marshals leading our fierce fighting forces. Then, and then only, will it be reported in the Press.”

GERMAN FEARS APPEAL FOR SURRENDER OF ARMS. BIG DEVELOPMENTS LIKELY. (Received This Day, 11.35 a.m. LONDON, August 20. The whole of western and northern France is reported to be in a state of extreme tension at the prospect of an Allied invasion. Organised underground groups are awaiting the Allied landings, when they will operate against the Axis from within.. , The Paris radio says all Frenchmen in possession of arms have been granted a four day amnesty for their surrender by the German occupation authorities and the Vichy Government. A joint statement issued by the Germans and Vichy says: “It is known that a great number of Frenchmen still possess all kind of arms which have not been surrendered because of the fear of the consequences. It is also known that extensive arms dumps exist throughout France. Any person who reports the whereabouts of these dumps will be immune from prosecution. Allied planes have repeatedly dropped war material over France. We urge the public to hand over the weapons before August 24, otherwise offenders may be sentenced to death.” The Berlin radio, quoting a message from Stockholm, says: “It is stated that an invasion is impending not only of Italy but also on a large front in Western Europe. Some reports even assert that instructions have already been given for all round operations against Europe this weekend.” Reuter’s military correspondent says the capture of the Lapari Islands is the shadow of coming events, just as the seizure of Pantelleria was a prelude to the invasion of Sicily. The occupation of the islands may be regarded as a preliminary to any landings on the Italian coast.