The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1941-12-24
Russian Action
In Far East May
Become Reality
TODAY'S WAR MOVES
Rec. q. S. Pat OFF,
Bv LOUIS p. kEEMlE
Bv LOUIS 2. kEEMlE
United Pres. War Analyst

Russiss position IN the general
war strategy against the axis may
Be canvassed in the preliminary
on unified effort now
In progress in Washington.
Al present Russia has the job of
beating back Hitler in Europe and
apparently is making good on the
assignment. Unless Hitler makes
one of the surprise moves for which
he is noted and strikes in full force
in some new direction. it appears
that the allies may have the situ-
alton in the western theater of war
in hand for the winter.
MAY REORGANIZE FORCES
The chance that Hitler may
strike at Britain, through Spain
into Africa or against Turkey is
not discounted in London. On the
other hand. there is the possibility
that he may spend the winter or
ganizing his forces and materials
for a series of knockout attempts
in the spring. Although what Hit
Ter says and what he may do are
not always the same thing. he init
mated as much in his proclamation
to the army.
That would leave the Far East
ern theater the immediate prob
lem. While Hitler is considered
the primary menace. the danger in
the Pacific in these early stages
Of the war there is very real. Both
Singapore and Manila are being
hard pressed by the Japanese. II
one 10 lost, the peril of the other
increases. II both 60. the re-
sources of the East Indies would
fall into Japanese hands. That
would mean long, hard war.
POSSIBLE THROUGH RUSSIA
One tactical way TO offset the
Japanese pressure on Malaga and
the Philippines would be a counter
offensive against Japan itself.
That would be possible at present
only through Russia.
When Japan attacked the United
States, Russia was described as
fully occupied trying to beat Ger
many. Since then the Russian po-
sition in the west has improved.
Britain and Russia now are dis
cussing policy in Moscow. After
President Roosevelt and Prime
Minister Churchill have laid the
preliminary groundwork. it is
planned to include Russia, China
and The Netherlands in the united
board of strategy. The question
of Russia's direct participation in
the war against Japan then could
be disposed of.
WELL-TRAINED ARMY
Russia has a large and we'll
trained Far Eastern army which
currently is reported to be going
through large scale tactical ma
neuvers near the Manchukuan bor-
der. Even more important is the
Far Eastern air and submarine
force based on Vladivostok. The
air arm could be strongly rein
forced by bombers from the United
States, flown over the northern
route from Alaska.
1t should then be possible to
engage Japan by land. sea and air.
The allies could aim at severing
her sea communication with the
continent over the sea of Japan.
and at blasting her industrial GEN.
tiers from the air.
The United States may there
fore strongly urge Russia's
participation in the Far East
ern campaign. using As one
strong argument the lend
lease aid which we can provide.
Russia already may have de-
cided that such a move is inevi-
table. Moscow has just appointed
Marshal klementi vorishilov, bril-
liant defender of Moscow. TO COM
mand the Far Eastern army. Ra-
do Moscow was heard broadcast
ing that action may be imminent
in the Far East.