ALTERNATIVE GERMAN PLAN?

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21231, 30 September 1940, Page 6

ALTERNATIVE GERMAN PLAN?

The American story that Germany intends to abandon the attempt to invade Britain in favour of a plan to occupy the rest of France preparatory to the occupation of Gibraltar is interesting even if it does not accurately represent Hitler’s mind. The changed scheme would, of course, require the connivance of Spain, and that is by no means certain of achievement. Moreover, it would have the disadvantage that overseas France would no longer have any Vichy Government to which it could continue allegiance, and that would not be in accordance with Germany’s desires. The continued function of the Vichy Government is of value to Germany as long as it provides a figurehead for what remains of the French overseas Empire. Although the story published in New York is said to come from a responsible European Government, it should be accepted with reserve. The capture of Gibraltar is undoubtedly one of Germany’s ultimate aims, and certainly Hitler has been attempting to drag Spain into the war, but there is sound reason for believing that Germany has not yet abandoned hope of invading Britain. She obviously believes there is still a chance of smashing the British resistance at the Channel and is prepared to risk hundreds of aeroplanes on that chance. Friday’s daylight raids, in which at least 130 German planes were shot down, were another attempt to gain daylight mastery of the air. Certainly it was a failure, and Germany may soon be convinced that defeat of Britain from the air is not possible with the resources available. When that conviction is driven home Germany will probably seek other means of weakening Britain’s position. Perhaps the assault on Gibraltar through a willing Spain may be one of the objectives. Between this dream of conquest and its realisation, however, there is a wide gulf. First Germany would have to gain the acquiescence of Spain, and then it would have to face the resistance of the strongest fortress in the world. Through the centuries Gibraltar has withstood many determined assaults. It is true that offensive weapons have been improved enormously, but defence has probably not lagged far behind. For years Gibraltar has been preparing for possible assault from the land, sea and air, and in addition British battleships can add their strength to the defences of the Rock.