The potters herald. [volume] (East Liverpool, Ohio) 1899-1982, 1941-12-11
Economic . .
M1hAghA
National and International Problems
Inseparable from Local Welfare


The great British drive into vita
Libya could not have come as much
OF surprise to the German and Ital-
ian garrisons. 1t had been rumoreC
for weeks that the campaign was
brewing, and it was known that Brit.
ain had been sending tremendous
quantities of supplies to Africa. How.
ever, it is a distinct possibility that
the Axis powers were surprised by the
humber of troops involved, and by the
Iquality and extent of their equipment
1t is probable that this is the first
time in the war that Empire lane
troops have met Axis land troops
without being definitely inferior sc
far as mechanized equipment is con-
Icerned.
The Libyan drive is providing a
good test of American war materials
The 100000 Empire troops engaged
are largely equipped with American
tanks, planes and other weapons
Trustworthy reports from the front
cast great credit on American design
,and manufacture. 1t is said that the
American tanks are definitely su-
tperior to German and Italian tanks of
comparable size. Their armor is
tougher, their fire power is as good OF
lbetter, and their tracks permit going
lin terrain and under weather condi-
,tions which stop the Axis machines
The American Army has a General
on the scene in the role of military
observer, and he will be able to bring
home very interesting and informative
news.
Britain's purpose in shooting the
works in Africa is manifold. First, it
is of definite aid to Russia by placing
"a strain on iXis troops and resources
A new front has been opened. Ger
Imany will not be able to move troops
and equipment from Africa to help on
the Eastern front. Instead, she may
have to divert resources of men and
material from Europe to Africa.
Second, the African campaign an
Iswers the Churchill government
critics, who have been demanding
more action. A sweeping British vic
tory would do a great deal for En-
Ipire morale.
Third, it helps place Britain on an
defensive, instead of a defensive, war
EDasis. In other words, she apparently
mo longer feels that she must keep
all resources as intact as possible for
purposes Of self-protection She now
feels that she can carry the war to
the enemy on a major scale.
Fourth, and most important, from
"a military strategist's point Of view
is the possible efpo, of the Libyan
campaign on ItalS,If the campaign
achieves complete success, it will give
the British possession of invaluable
Mediterranean bases. These bases can
and no doubt will be used to wage
naval and air war against Italy on a
terrific scale In addition, workable
naval blockade could be established to
prevent Italian shipping from leaving
or entering home. Some authorities
are confident that these methods
would in time knock Italy completely
out of the war, and force her to sue
for peace.
On the Russian front, it is apparent
that Hitler is getting farther behind
schedule all the time. In addition, he
lis taking tremendous losses which
may prove disastrous in the long run
/ The Russians claim that 100000
/ German troops have been killed
wounded or captured. That is probab
! ly great eXaggeration. But there IS
no question but what casualties have
erals, who figured on a two-montf
/ Russian war, anticipated. In addition
the Russians have taken or destroyed
vast quantities of tanks, planes, tielC
Ipieces, etc. The resistance of the Rus.
slams, soldier and civilian alike, is
WRITING a new and heroic chapter tc
THE military annals of history.
The Allies have certainly not wor
this war. But their gains in strength
since the awful disaster at Dunkirl
are nothing short of miraculous. Lit
tie more than year ago it looked a.
if England was beaten, and that ne
force capable Of even slowing The
Nazis, much less stopping them, re
mained. Time has proven otherwise
And today, Time works against Hit
Ter at last.