Evening star., 1941-09-28

AhClt 10 slOuJl III UillCldl quarters IN
Washington. The Russians appear to
have been smashed up worse than had
been anticipated. The German forces in
the south are advancing despite the
desperate opposition of Marshal Budyen-
ny's battered armies
Unless these forces can pull themselves
together only miracle or unbelievably
slushy weather can prevent the Germans
from reaching the banks of the Volga
within short time But miracles aren't
frequent these days and winters in
Southern Russia are about "a mild as
those in South Carolina or Georgia. The
Crimean climate is similar to that OF
Florida. Palm trees abound and there
Is sea bathing the year round.
IN the north. Leningrad is expected to
fall soon. And when Leningrad falls,
the Soviet arms factories east of Moscow
will be deprived Of the precision instru-
ments for planes and artillery which are
manufactured exclusive in the import ant
Putiloff works.
The factories would then become de-
pendent on supplies shipped from the
United States and Great Britain. But,
the railway line from Moscow to Muir
mansk and Archangel-the shortest route
by which communications can be MAIN
tanned with Great Britain and this coun-
try-is expected to fall soon to the
German-F Finnish forces opera ting in thai
region.
Russia would then have to rely for her
war supplies and planes on the long
route through the Persian Gulf and
Iran, or on the Pacific to Vladivoatok
route and thence by way Of Siberia to
the battle front "a stretch OF 1000
miles.
Military Men UndiSmayed.
The situation is depressing There are
fears in certain quarters that peace
may be negotiated between the Ger
mans and some Russian leaders in the
occupied areas. But while there is stark
pessimism among diplomats and other
civilians in Washington and London,
American military observers who have
been watching developments realistically,
say that the present situation is neither
terrifying nor was it unexpected.
These observers have disagreed with
the generally held opinion since the
beginning of the eastern campaign
When everybody was cheering the re-
sistance of the Russians and proclaiming
that Hitler would meet the same fate as
Napoleon on the MuScovite plains, these
military experts maintained a reserved
attitude and warned against premature
rejoicing.
Responsible strategists-not drawing
room ationalists-maintain now
that whatever happens to the Russian
forces-and many unpleasant surprises
are expected to occur-Germany'
chances of winning this war are fewer
than they were last year. They see
Bulgaria joining the Axis and expect
that Turkey may do the same. But as
vide the Axis forces with fuel are in the
hands of the Allies, nobody need doubt
the final outcome of the war.
The British and the Russian armies
In the Caucasus hold strong positions.
1t would take the Germans greater
effort than they are capable of to dis
lodge the Allies from their present posi-
tions. The British and Russian forces
already are on the scene of action in the
Middle East The Germans have yet
to get there.
Stain Might Have to Flee.
There are rumors tnat some OF the
Russian generals may stage rebellion
to overthrow Stain 1t is not improbable
that the ruler of the Soviets may be
compelled to flee to the Urals and leave
the rest of the country to its fate.
Marshals Budyenny Timoshenko and
Voroshiloff command the Soviet armies.
Marshal Budyenny, who commands in
the south is former top sergeant in
the old Czarist army and is blindly loyal
to Stain.
He knows nothing and cares less about
politics. He is real soldier and his lack
of education is compensated for by con-
siderable peasant common sense, and an
ardent love for the land of his birth.
He can be relied on as far as the main
Issue is concerned-the defeat of Hitler.
He may have to yield more ground. He
may lose many more men and much of
his equipment. But ne will continue
the fight as long as he has few Co.'S