The Waikato Times FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1941 ADVANCE INTO LIBYA

Waikato Times, Volume 129, Issue 21584, 21 November 1941, Page 4

The Waikato Times FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1941 ADVANCE INTO LIBYA

News that the Allied forces have begun a general advance into Libya from Egypt did not come as a surprise to the people of New Zealand. The only aspect that remained in doubt was the time chosen for the offensive. Preparations began immediately the troops returned from Greece and Crete. Equipment has been pouring into Egypt from Britain, the United States and elsewhere, and this time it will be thoroughly prepared Army, Navy and Air forces that face the Axis armies in Libya. They are going into action confidently and their fortunes will be followed with keen interest and sympathy throughout the Empire. The fact that an advance of 50 miles on a front of 150 miles on the first day encountered no serious opposition should not be taken as an indication that the Allies will enjoy a march of uninterrupted triumph. The British intelligence service has no doubt provided a reliable estimate of the strength of the Italian and German forces, but that information is not available to the public. It is commonly supposed that the opposition is strong in numbers and is probably reasonably well equipped in spite of the fact that the Royal Navy and Air Force have constantly been hammering their lines of communication on sea and land. The enemy has long been expecting an attack and would lose no opportunity to strengthen his defences. There is in the meantime no indication of where he intends to make a stand. It is certain, however, that the Axis forces will have great difficulty in bringing up reinforcements and supplies because the Allied land, sea and air forces are co-operating to close all routes. Clearance of the Germans and Italians from the Cyrenaican coast would be of tremendous, advantage to Allied strategy and a cause for serious misgiving by Italy. Opportunities for attacks on the Italian mainland would be greatly increased. Another important aspect is that the threat to Egypt and the Suez Canal from the west would be removed, and large numbers of Allied troops would be released for service elsewhere. Bound up in this offensive also is the fate of the last remnant of the Italian Empire in Africa. The thoughts and the hopes of all New Zealanders will be with sons and brothers in the desert in the coming weeks. These men are engaged in a vital phase of the war and their success will mean much to the Empire and the Allies.