Imperial Valley press., 1941-10-28
Today's
WarMoves
By LOuis F. Keemle
Of the United Press
War Desk

PRESIDENT ROOSeVelI COIlCepbloll
of the part this country must play
in the war, as outlined in his speech
Monday night, lays emphasis on the
battle of the Atlantic and the neceS-
sity for delivering our goods TO Brit
ain and Russia
The president declared that our
ships must be free to carry supplies
to the enemies of Hitler under the
protection of the American navy.
While this would involve us in a
limited shooting war" at sea, 1t
|. is evident the president feels 1t is
necessary if Hitler is to be beaten.
The heart of the matter is to
keep the sea lanes open, particularly
the Atlantic. In this the American
navy would play an important part.
The British have ceased issuing fig
ureS on shipping losses, but it is
evident that German submarine ac-
tivity increased during October, and
the rate of tonnage sunk probably
increased.
STATEMENT VAGUE
Without giving figures, the Brit
iSh admiralty announced last week
l.lat losses during the last II months
did not equal the peak year of 1917,
when more than 5,500000 tons of
allied and neutral shipping went to
the bottom. That in itself is not
q definitely reassuring comparison.
The 1917 campaign and its extern
sion into 1918 came close TO spell
ing defeat for the allies.
Perhaps it was the American navy
that turned the tide then. It's weight
was thrown alongside the British
navy and it played major role III
mine-laying, patrol and convoy ac-
tivities. At that time, Japan was
an ally and there was no need TO
keep the bulk of the fleet on watch
in the Pacific.
In this instance, the president
, clearly wants American ships to i'll
sure deliveries across the seas, par
tlcularly to Britain, but presumably
also to Archangel, which at present
is barred to United States flag ships
the president wants.
PROBLEM ACUTE
Whether to Britain or direct to
Russia through the Archangel and
Persian gulf routes, the effect OF
the deliveries on Russia is the same.
The same munitions, tanks and
other war materials poured into
Britain, the more Britain is able
to help Russia.
The latters supply problem IS
acute, now that the Germans are
in possession of large part of her
industry and are threatening fu.-
ther lnroadS. The loss Of Stalino
alone was a severe blow.
Hitler may be baked or the VIM
ter at Moscow. 1t is doubtful, since
he has failed in his attempt to an
, initiate the main Russian armies.
that the Soviet capital is his prime
ipal objective now.
Hitler is concentrating on a smash
ing attack in the south towards the
Don river, from Kharkov to Rostov.
His purpose is tWo-fold- to wreck
RuSsia's main centers for the pro-
duction of war material, and to Gu.
off the flow of British and Ameri-
can supplies through Iran.
To that end, if Hitler takes Rostoy,
his next move may we'll be towards
Astrakhan on the Caspian sea, which
would cut off the entire Caucasus
oil region and make Baku useless
AS a clearing center for British
American aid. 1t would tremendous
ly increase the difficulties of get
ting supplies into Russia.
In the north, it is not improbable
that Hitler may leave Leningrad
in the rear and attempt to driYa
through TO Volgoda, north of Mos
COW. That would cut the only rail-
road from Archangel and block that
route.