The Waikato Times WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1939 HITLER'S HESITATION

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20950, 1 November 1939, Page 6

The Waikato Times WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1939 HITLER'S HESITATION

Whatever the reasons, the war in Europe has reached an extraordinary condition of apparent stalemate which, however, favours the Allied cause. After two months Hitler has not struck the mighty blow he was expected to strike, and people outside of Germany can only guess at the reasons. It is everywhere conceded that the Nazis cannot profitably play a waiting game. Every day of waiting allows the Allies to strengthen their position, and every day brings nearer the long winter which must be unpleasant for Germany to contemplate. Yet Hitler is still hesitating. Activity on the Western Front, the only land fighting front, is almost negligible. Certainly there is intense activity at sea, but there is no hope of Germany gaining decisive results with her submarines.

It may be that Germany is pausing to make good the losses suffered in the Polish campaign. She may be expecting to make an arrangement with Russia providing for a greater measure of assistance. Perhaps the temper of the German people is not such as to make a great offensive a wise course at the moment. Or is it that Hitler has lost confidence in the ability of his land, air and sea forces successfully to begin and carry through a large-scale campaign against the great strength arrayed in opposition? Attack and defeat would spell the end of Hitler’s dictatorship; another course may be opened if the plunge can be postponed. Certainly this is the first time in his spectacular career that Hitler has had cause to hesitate—and it is known that delay in the execution of his plans drives him into a frenzy.

Germany is reported to be expecting that the meeting of the Soviet Supreme Council now being held will provide the “turning point” in the war. Russia and Germany have concluded their negotiations and clarified their relationships, so that Germany may already know the nature of the decision at which the Supreme Council will arrive. What it is that Germany expects is, of course, not known elsewhere, but it will be a surprise to the people of the Allied countries if Russia agrees to give direct military assistance to the Nazis. Strange things have happened in this war, however, and although Germany is waiting in the military sphere, it would be wrong to suppose that her diplomats are not extremely active. News of internal difficulties come periodically from Germany, but although the signs of serious dissension in Czechoslovakia, Austria and elsewhere must be disconcerting to Hitler, there is no reason to believe that he has lost his grip on the political leaders and the fighting forces of the country. There is little doubt that at the Fuehrer’s command the German armies would throw their full weight into the conflict just as the submarine crews are proving their skill and daring at sea. So it is wise for the Allies to regard the “big offensive" as only postponed and to make every possible effort to increase their own strength.