Evening star., 1941-10-05

are rumors that the Russians have ex-
hausted all the war material which they
had when the war began and that they
have been drawing on reserves accumu-
lated over a period of years to such an
extent that they have barely 25 per cent
of their original stocks left. How true
this rumor is nobody can say. I'VE have
no information" is the gramophone-like
reply of Washington officials when
questioned.
What is the situation of the British
Army? Again vague hints place that
force at between 2,500,000 and 100000
mon At least 100000 OF these men are
sad to be fully trained and equipped.
''Why with the NaZi forces deeply en-
gagged in Russia and with large forces
withdrawn from France and Holland"
asks the layman, has the British gov
eminent overlooked an apparently bril-
liant chance of attacking the Germans
on the continent?" The British govern
ment, which must have some good reason,
is reluctant TO explain, But to counter
act the contention of Britain's enemies
that his majesty's government is looking
for another ally to pull Britain's chest-
nuts out of the fire, some unofficial eX-
planation is necessary besides shrug
Of the shoulders on the part of American
officials who ought to know the why's
and wherefores.
Bureaus" Are Little Help.
The British have a number OF "in.
formation bureaus in this country,
stated with an army of officials sent
. here to enlighten the American public.
These officials are nice well-behaved and
extremely courteous people. They are
helpful in providing statistics, biographi-
cal data. obituaries and other such trifes
! whenever any one takes the trouble TO
pay a visit to their Offices. They help
food the country with mimeographed
and printed pamphlets about Britain's
war effort and aims. But they cannot
answer yitally important questions
which are now of such momentous con-
Germ to the people of this country.
Government Offices in Washington are
perturbed over the situation, but cannot
remedy 1t unless United States Ambas-
sador John G. Winant can persuade the
British Ministry of Information TO
loosen up" And since the British gov
eminent is so vitally interested in what
| is happening in France, Spain, North
/ Africa and in other parts of the world,
! it has persuaded the administration in
Washington that it would be harmful to
/ the common interests of both countries
if the United States Government were to
! continue to be as liberal with the dis
pensation OF news as it has been in the
past.
The State Department is fully aware
of the danger of keeping the American
people in the dark The United State
seems to be on the verge of taking
terrific plunge in world affairs. 1t MAJ
result in complete change in our whole
| economic and social life The department
/ feels that the people of this country are
willing to accept the decisions of the
/ White House. provided they are not
called on to take the plunge with their
eyes shut.
State Department Willing.
The State Department also realizes
that the American people do not scare
easily, that bad news does not intimidate
them provided they are convinced that
somebody somewhere is not trying to
fool them. Secretary of State Hull. who
has had long experience in public Office
Is fully aware that nothing could be
more dangerous than exaggerated opti.
mism. And the State Department, like
the other Government branches which
possess the true facts of the present
world situation, would like to share
them with the people of this country IL
1t were not for the restrictions imposed
on them from abroad. 1t is compelled to
adopt the attitude of the British Min
istry of Information which contends that
much that exists in its files would damage
the interests of our fighting friends if it
were made public. Secretary Hull is
reported to be attempting to convince
the British that the American people
should receive more important news and
less wishful thinking. But so far he has
made little headWay.