Detroit evening times. (Detroit, Mich) 1921-1958, 1942-09-13

by hEfih hDhhRhh SLhAsh -
WOODWARD, U. s. n.
Mote: The opinions expressed
and the assertions made herein
are mn own and are not to be
construed as official or reflecting
IN any way the pieiUs Of the navy
department or the naval service
at lar0e).
WASHINGTON, Sept. II (INS)
President Roosevelt has stated
that since "the power OF Germany
must be broken on the battlefields
OF Europe" our aim is an often
sive against the Nazis which can
be launched from lat least dozen
different points"
Prime Minister Churchill. in his
statement TO the British House OF
Commons, revealed that he had as
stirred Premier Stain during their
conference In Moscow that his
western allies were sincerely re-
solved to open another front at
the earliest possible moment.
Unmistakable Terms
Thus did the heads of two of
the worlds greatest governments
clearly - and almost simultan-
eously-declare TO the world that
greater Allied action against Ger
many may be expected in the not
far distant future--a direct chal-
lenge to Hitler in unmistakable
terms.
The recent Allied conferences
In Washington. London and Mos
\ COW, plus the continued arrival
|of large American forces in the
' British Isles during the last six
months, have been sufficient notifi-
cation 10 Berlin that the Allies
intend attacking at some sector
Of the vast perimeter Of occu-
pied territory which the Nazis are
attempting to hold. They will
know the times and places later.
The range of potential points Of
attack against Germany being ex-
tensive, IL may be interesting 10
examine some OF the more i'm
portant ones.
II must be borne in mind that
premature large-scale attempt.
ending in failure. would have dis
astrous psychological and strate-
gic consequences, and might even
jeopardize final victory.
France Logical Target
The most logical target for an
invasion, should large-Scale
drive be attempted, would be "at
least a dozen different points"
along the coast of occupied France
generally known as the invasion
zone"-close TO the heart Of Ger
many. 1t is the handiest area for
n thrust from Englan and
though tremendous difficulties and
dangers would be encountered, 1t
offers probably the best oppor-
tunity TO force latge-scale diver
sion Of German troops from the
east.
FRANCE has a/great deal 10
recommend II. not the least fea-
ture being the terrain. which is
well adapted to troop movements
and to the establishment of tenn
porary air bases. Another import
ant advantage is its proximity to
the south coast Of England. thus
limiting the striking distances be-
tween % miles dover TO Calais
/ and 155 miles plymouth TO BresD,
, Dieppe Raid Cited
This not only permits the use
OF cross-channel steamers, inva-
sion barges and other types OF
small craft for transporting troops
and gear over the narrow seas
thus eliminating large ocean-going
vessels, of which there is a scar
city-but France also is within
easy range OF Allied bombers and
fighters which can keep the skies
clear OF Nazi planes during land
ing operations. and simultaneously
raid German lines OF communica-
ton.
Moreover, air-borne troops and
parachutists could assist in the in
vasion, undoubtedly being sup
ported by the greater part OF the
French pro-Ally population.
BY the recent large-scale com
mando raid on Dieppe. the Allie,
gained valuable information con
corning Nazi defense measure.
which will stand them in goot
stead should an invasion b,
launched in this general area.
ri