Pacific News-Review

Notes And Comment On

The Progress Of The War

From September 13 To Oct. 13

Sept. 13: The German air offensive against England and especially against London is now reaching its peak. The attacks are almost ceaseless, day and night. The day attacks, in spite of an al most daily variation in the technique employed by the enemy, are being held and defeated, especially by the brilliant R.A.F.; but there appears to be no reai answer yet to the night bombers. Each night they appear to creep further over London, and the damage they have done already is very large.

It is quite apparent that the Germans hope, by this means, to start a panic rush from the capital and, under cover of civil confusion and industrial disrup tion, to launch their invasion attack in a few days’ time, which will correspond with the full moon and the highest tide.

Londoners remain undismayed however.

There is absolutely no panic—and, despite much damage to streets and transport systems, the normal life of the city goes on practically without interruption.

Sept. 13: It is reported from several sources that the great mechanised Italian army in Libya—comprising at least 250,000 Italians and very large numbers of native troops—has begun to move east ward along the coast across the Egyptian frontier. Between the frontier and Alex andria there are about 250 miles of bar ren, waterless desert. The defending British forces, which are being strength ened daily, are around Mersa Matru, which is about 80 miles east of the Libyan frontier, and nearly 160 miles west of Alexandria.

This Italian move gives colour to the frequent reports that Hitler and Musso lini have arranged simultaneous attacks —the Germans to invade England, from the Channel ports, and the Italians to invade Egypt from Libya.

Sept. 14; It is now clear that the Aus tralian forces in the Middle East have been moved from Palestine to support the British armies in Egypt against the Italians.

Sept. 15: While Germany’s air attacks upon London continue, the British Fleet and Air Force have commenced, and are continuing, a tremendous all-round-the clock attack upon German shipping and ports in Norway, Belgium, Holland and France, evidently to destroy port and shipping facilities which are necessary to the German invasion. Enormous damage has been done. All British air forces have been concentrated on this work, and the nightly raids upon German centres have been discontinued for the present Sept. 15: The Italian army is slowly advancing across the Libyan-Egyptian frontier, and is being continuously har ried by British air and ground raiders.

Sept. 15; Hitler is reported to have arrived at his invasion headquarters in Northern France, and has invited German and neutral journalists to assemble on the French coasts and “witness the greatest spectacle of the ages—the in vasion of England”.

Sept. 15: King Michael of Roumania has proclaimed that the structure of the Roumanian state will henceforth be totalitarian, and that its foreign policy will be based on that of the Axis Powers.

Sept. 16: The United States had added drastically to the list of goods which may not be exported except under licence to other countries. This will prevent the export of vital equipment to Japan. The important conferences between the United States Secretary of State, the British Ambassador and the Australian Minister, relative to Pacific defence have been given a new turn by discussions with Mr. So’ong, the chairman of the Bank of China, which is believed to involve United

states support for Chinese currency.

Sept. 16: When the Germans surpris ingly renewed their mass daylight raids on Britain, yesterday, the R.A.F. dealt a terrific blow. British fighters shot down 185 German raiders—representing Ger many’s heaviest loss of the war—for the loss of only 25 British machines and 13 pilots. Great numbers of bombs have fallen on London but London carries on calm and unperturbed.

Greatest concern was felt because a de layed-action bomb fell just outside St.

Paul’s Cathedral. After two days, a squad of the Royal Engineers, displaying extra ordinary bravery, dug up the bomb and carted it out to an open space, where it was exploded.

Incalculable destruction has been done to Hitler’s various invasion bases. It is noted, to-day, that there are hints ap pearing in the controlled Italian press that the German attempt to invade Britain will be postponed until after the winter.

Sept. 17: German round-the-clock air attacks upon London continue unceas ingly. The Prime Minister in a public statement, to-day, said that concentra tions of barges and shipping in enemy ports on the Channel facing England, were still increasing, and they must ex pect Germany to make an attempt to in vade England, at the first opportunity.

The damage done in London is very great—all classes of buildings have suffered, from Buckingham Palace, through the great departmental stores of Oxford Street, down to hundreds of workmen’s dwellings in the East End.

Sept. 17; The Italian army is advancing slowly into Egypt, while the coastal roads and camps are being ceaselessly harried by British airmen and warships.

Sept. 18: Yesterday, a gale swept the English Channel, creating conditions al most impossible for an invasion. It has died away to-day, but a big sea is still running. Great masses of German air raiders again crossed the coast, but large numbers of British fighters tackled them and they turned back long before they reached London.

Sept. 18; R.A.F. bombers have resumed their nightly raids upon Berlin and mili tary objectives in Western Germany gen erally.

Sept. 18: The Italians have advanced 60 miles, in five days, into Egypt’s west ern desert. They appear to be digging in along the line of Sidi Barrani village. A water supply is their main problem. They are being constantly raided by the British.

Sept. 18; Reports reaching London in dicate many and increasing clashes be tween Free Frenchmen and followers of the Vichy Government in the French Colonies in North and Equatorial Africa.

Sept. 19: Yesterday, 48 German raiders were shot down; 12 British fighters were lost, but 9 pilots are safe. German air raids over England continue almost with out cessation —but the people carry on doggedly. Londoners have quickly adapted themselves to spending their nights in shelters, and securing sufficient sleep, in spite of the night-long roar of anti-air craft guns.

Sept. 19: It is reported that Hitler and Mussolini are trying to induce Franco to enter the Axis bloc against Britain. They are offering Spain Gibraltar, and sub stantial colonies in North Africa. Franco is against war; but his brother-in-law, Suner, the next most powerful man in Spain, is completely in the Axis “bag”.

If he can swing Spain into line with the Axis Powers he will do so.

Sept. 19: Discussions between Japan and France over Indo-China continue.

Japan, with increasing insistence, seeks

naval, military and air bases in Indo china. It is thought that Japan may de cide upon a fait accompli, and invade Indo-China at any time.

Sept. 20; The German air force con tinues its blind, savage bombing of Lon don and England generally, while the R.A.F., with increasing strength, is at tacking the whole of Western Germany.

In addition, the R.A.F. practically every night makes smashing attacks upon Ger many’s invasion ports on the Dutch, Bel gium and French coasts.

Sept. 20: The Italians in Western Egypt caught before they had established themselves at Sidi Barrani, were heavily pounded by British artillery, the R.A.F., and British warships and enormous dam age was done.

Sept. 22: London is now entering its third week of nightly bombing. But the people stubbornly maintain their calm and cheerful spirit, and despite destruc tion in all quarters of the city, the na tional work goes on. Women and children are being sent away, according to an organised plan, but the panic evacuation of London, which the Germans have been trying to force, is not taking place in any shape or form. The courage of the people is something to be seen to be believed.

Meanwhile, every night, the R.A.F. is blasting the German invasion bases all along the Channel coast, and this sys tematic bombing cf ports and barge con centrations undoubtedly must affect the enemy’s invasion plans.

Sept. 23; General de' Gaulle led a Free French force, supported by a British naval squadron, to Dakar, in West Africa, in the belief that that French Colony was ready to join him. But French officials, under instructions from the Vichy Gov ernment, resisted the landing and fired upon his emissaries; and rather than en gage in battle between Frenchmen, he withdrew his forces. French naval forces at Dakar attacked the British squadron, and the British replied. Two French sub marines and a French destroyer were sunk. There has been no official report of the incident, which is described as “a very unfortunate fiasco ’.

Sept. 23: The growing collaboration be tween Britain and the United States, for Pacific defence, snd the probability that United States warships will use Aus tralian and Singapore bases, are causing considerable alarm in Japan.

Sept. 23: It is reported that the French are resisting the Japanese on the frontier of Indo-Chma and that a good deal of bitter fighting is in progress.

Sept. 23: A liner, carrying evacuee children aged between 5 and lb, was tor pedoed by the Germans in a storm, 600 miles out in the Atlantic, at 10.30 p.m.

The ship sank in 20 minutes. Of 406 per sons aboard, 250 were lost including 90 children.

Sept. 23: Although German air attacks upon England continue furiously, the be lief is growing that Hitler’s invasion plans have been shattered—by the unexpected strength of British civilian resistance, by Ihe smashing attacks of the R.A.F. upon invasion concentrations and German bases in Germany, and by the unfavour able weather.

Sept. 23: R.A F. bombers have resumed their nightly attacks upon Berlin. The British refuse to bomb indiscriminately, and scrupulously reserve their attacks for military objectives.

Sept. 24; There are increasing reports of fighting between the EYench and Japanese in Indo-China. The whole situ ation there appears much confused.

Sept. 25: There is an unconfirmed re

port in the United States that Japan and Germany have agreed, in principle, on a defensive alliance, which would become effective in the event of further Anglo- American collaboration.

Sept. 25: The German air attacks on London continue but in a most frenzied fashion. Planes are flying: wildly in ah directions, dropping bombs indiscrimin ately. Much damage continues to be done, but the London populace remains calm and orderly.

Sept. 25: The Nazis are reported to be screeching with fury at the latest British air raids on Berlin, where it is insisted that “the British airmen are murdering the civilian population and the unfortun ate Berliners cannot get sufficient sleep”.

Sept. 25: United States to-day banned all exports of iron and steel scrap, except to Western Hemisphere countries and Britain. This measure is obviously aimed at Japan, which will be seriously affected.

Sept. 26: It is announced that an agree ment has been reached between France and Japan, which provides tor the en trance of Japanese troops to Indo-China, to occupy certain military and air bases.

The Japanese official agency announces: “An amicable settlement has been reached and hostilities have ceased”.

Sept. 26: Large German bomber forma tions came over England yesterday in the first big scale daylight raids since Sep tember 15, and 26 German planes were destroyed; 4 British fighters were lost, but pilots of 3 are safe. British bombers raided Berlin for 5 hours last night.

Sept. 27: It is officially announced that Germany, Italy and Japan, in Berlin to day, signed a pact covering mutual mili tary, political and economic support over a period of 10 years. Each agrees to sup port the other, with all the means at his disposal, if one of them is attacked by a power not vet involved either in the war against Britain or in the Sino-Japanesc war. Japan recognises the leadership of Germany and Italy in Europe, and the latter recognises “Japan’s leadership in the creation of a New Order in Asia”.

It is clear that the pact is designed to prevent American participation in the European war, or the creation of an Anglo-American front in the Pacific. It is directed immediately against the United States —although it might also operate against Russia.

Sept. 27: In daylight thrusts against London to-day, all of which were foiled, the German air fleets lost 98 planes, their heaviest loss since September 15. The German raids upon England and London continue: but, meanwhile, the R.A.F. raids against Germany, increasing in frequency and extent, are creating havoc.

Sept. 27: There are indications of hiuch closer collaboration between Britain and the United States m regard to placing a heavy embargo upon the shipment of essential commodities to Japan. Many be lieve that Japan can be more effectively crippled in this wav than by any employ ment of armed forces.

Sept. 27: American sources believe that Germany will soon abandon the attack on Britain in favour of the occupation of the remainder of France, preparatory to an attempt to take Gibraltar and bottle up the British naval squadrons in the Mediterranean.

Sept. 29: The new Axis pact (or Triple Alliance), under which the three great predatory nations of the world propose to divide up the world between them, has caused no surprise in either Britain or United States. It merely puts into words what has long been a fact.

The Pact has not altered American foreign policy in the slightest—indeed, it is having a good effect, because it is bringing American public opinion face to face with realities. Americans now are realising that there is no freedom for

them in the world unless Britain holds off the Axis Powers.

Meanwhile, attempts are being made, by both Germany and Japan, to get Russia’s goodwill in the new pact. But none knows where Russia stan'ds in re lation to the Pact—she may give it her blessing, and withdraw her assistance from China or she may gradually take an attitude which may bring her into line with Great Britain, the United States and China, against the Axis Powers.

Sept. 29: The Italian army, from Libya is still standing on the Sidi Barrani line, in western Egypt. It is being ceaselessly raided by British ground parties, aero planes and warships.

Oct. 1: United States Congress proposes to give the President authority to acquire, lease or purchase British possessions in the Pacific, or bordering on the Pacific, as part of the new defence plan. The new Triple Alliance has had exactly the oppo site effect to what was apparently ex pected by Japan. Aid for Britain is be ing intensified and there is growing co operation between Britain and the United States.

America has expressed her opinion that she would like to see the Burma Road open when the closing agreement between Britain and Japan expires on October 16.

The Japanese attitude towards the United States continues belligerent and threat ening.

Oct. 2: After having visited Berlin and Rome, where he had long talks with the Dictators, the Spanish Foreign Minister (General Suner) departed for Madrid. It is announced, contrary to all expectations, that Spain will not join the Axis Powers.

Some believe that Spain has a kind of secret alliance with the Axis Powers and, if necessary, will allow German troops to pass through en route to Northern Africa.

Oct. 2: The fact that September is over and the German invasion has not mater ialised is referred to by many newspapers.

It is generally believed that Hitler’s plans have gone sadly astray.

Meanwhile, raids over London and Eng land continue day and night; and the British R.A.F., with the same regularity, is bombing German invasion ports along the Dutch, Belgium and French coasts, and military objectives throughout West ern Germany, as far east as Berlin. Ber lin is raided and bombed almost every night.

Oct. 3: Because of ill-health Mr.

Chamberlain has retired from the British Government, and there has been a con siderable re-shuffling of portfolios.

Oct. 3: The American Ambassador in Moscow is attempting to discourage Russia from associating herself with Japan.

Oct. 3: Yesterday, the Germans made their most determined onslaught on Lon don, employing about 1,000 machines.

R.A.F. fighters and anti-aircraft guns smashed the formations and drove the Germans pell-mell to the Channel. Al though few Germans were brought down, it was the R.A.F.’s greatest triumph to date.

Oct. 4: Hitler and Mussolini met in a special train at the frontier, at the top of Brenner Pass, at noon to-day, and con ferred for 2i hours. They were accompan ied by imposing retinues. The facts that the German invasion of England has failed, and that the Italian invasion of Egypt is still held up, suggest that the two Dictators are revising their war plans.

Their next step may be an intensification of the war in the Mediterranean area.

Marshal Graziani, commander of the Italian army in Libya, is now in Rome, awaiting instructions.

Oct. 4: The Admiralty announces that 7 German submarines, two Italian sub marines and an Italian destroyer have

been sunk by the British Navy in recent actions.

Oct. 4: In the week ended September 22, enemy submarines destroyed 27 British and Allied merchantmen, totall ing 159,000 tons. This is the most serious loss of merchant tonnage yet recorded It is calculated that anything over 40,000 or 50,000 tons a week is a serious em barrassment to the Allies.

Oct. 6: Some frank talks between the Government of Russia and the British Ambassador will take place this week in Moscow. All comment is cautious. Not one “expert” in Britain, apparently, cares to guess whether Russia will incline towards Germany or Britain.

Oct. 6: A highly important development is that the American Navy Department has called up 27,000 reservists. This means that the total naval strength of the United States will be 235,000 officers and men— the largest since the Great War.

Oct. 6; Raids by Germans on Britain and by the British on Germany go on day and night. Last night, the R.A.F. dropped two tons of bombs upon Krupps arms factory at Essen.

Oct. 7: German troops are entering Roumania. The Nazis claim they are technicians, specially selected to guard the oilfields. Britons in Roumania are being persecuted and maltreated.

Oct. 7: The increasing operations of enemy submarines in the Atlantic, where British shipping losses continue to be very heavy, is causing concern.

Oct. 8: Britain has formally notified Japan that the Burma Road, closed three months ago in an attempt to appease Japan, will be opened for traffic to Free China on October 18. Japan professes in difference, saying the road now will be of little use to the Chinese.

Oct. 10: German troops are now pour ing into Roumania —it is believed as part of a plan for a German invasion of Asia Minor and Palestine via the Bal kans. A declaration of war by Britain upon Roumania is probable.

Oct. 11: Increasing air raids by Ger mans upon Britain and by the R.A.F. upon Germany are reported daily. Great damage is being done to both London and Berlin. London damage yesterday in cluded a direct hit upon St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Oct. 11; American public opinion, so far from being panicked by the Japanese- German Pact, is now becaming solid in the belief that there can be no safety for America until Nazidom is destroyed.

Oct. 13: In blunt speech, President Roosevelt warned Axis dictators that their threats will not stop continued American aid to Britain. America’s traditional policy, he added, is to defend the Western Hemisphere and the right to the peaceful use of the Atlantic and the Pacific.

Mr. and Mrs. N. Penglase, of New Ire land, T.N.G., arrived in Sydney in Sep tember by the “Macdhui”. He is D.O. at Kavieng and will spend some months in Sydney.

Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Waddell, of Nama tanai, New Ireland, T.N.G., arrived in Sydney during September by the “Macdhui”. Mr. Waddell, who is a medi cal officer with the Administration, in tends to join the A.I.F.

Captain R. C. Duncan, of Rabaul, who brought to Australia recently a small steamer which Messrs. W. R. Carpenter & Co., Ltd., have sold returned to New Guinea last week.

Mr. and Mrs. S. E. Sutcliffe, of Sala maua, New Guinea, passed through Sydney in September en route to Ade laide, S.A., where they will spend three months’ holiday. He is chief pilot for Mandated Airlines.