Evening star., 1942-12-24
Stimson Forecasts
Axis Effort 10 Turn
U. 5. Flank in Africa
Secretary Gives War
Resume; Is Optimistic,
But Sees Hard Fight
BY the Associated Press.

but Bees Horo TI9Ht
BY the Associated Press.
Secretary of War Stimson said
today the Germans in TuniSla
appeared to be gathering their
strength for an attempt to turn
the southern flank of the Allied
army commanded by 1t. Gen.
Dwight Eisenhower.
Reviewing recent war develop
ments at his press conference, the
Secretary said that the last two
weeks had been spent largely by
both sides in North Africa in bring
ing up reinforcements and strength
ening their positions. although there
had been considerable patrol fight
ing and air combat, with Allied
pilots accounting for two enemy
planes for each one lost.
Recalling that formerly the
United Nations were on the de-
fensive. wondering where the Axis
would strike next" Mr.. StimSon said
the situation has changed now to
reveal the Axis on the defensive and
their high command no doubt is
considerably concerned where we
shall strike next"
Hard Fighting Ahead.
He stuck to his earlier opinion
that hard fighting was ahead not
only in North Africa, but on other
fronts, particularly in New Guinea,
where I'VE must anticipate long
fight to clear all the Japs out of the
islands"
Mr.. Stimson said it is impossible
to estimate the comparative strength
of the opposing armies in North
Africa, since we can only guess" at
the size of the German Army.
80 far as can be estimated we
seem to have a fairly good margin
over the Germans in all kinds of
forces being assembled in North
Africa" he explained.
The Germans have the advantage
in existing bases, he said, but the
Allies have an advantage in de-
veloping new bases and in being
able to bring up more troops and
supplies. All this is being accom-
plished. he declared despite bad
weather which has accounted for
delays.
Praises British for Malta.
The Allies are constantly i'm
proving" the lines of communication
in the Mediterranean which, he
pointed out, are far safer than before
the November occupation of North
Africa. He especially referred to the
wisdom of the British in maintain
ing Malta as a base of operations,
adding that Malta is now in a posi-
ton Ito haraSs Axis conveys very
effectively" The Malta base, he
added, is now bearing dividends
and is providing strong protection
for our own conveys.
The American and Allied effort in
Tunisia is being directed at prepara-
tions for offensive attacks to take
Tunis and Biberte, while the Axis
aim at this time he declared is to
stall them off"
Describing the essential objective
of the campaign as one of strategic
movement" he predicted, however,
that I'VE may expect some strong
attacks yet from Germany"
Mr.. Stimson said he would ven-
ture no ''prophesies" about Marshal
Erwin Rommel but declared the
German leaders army was being
closely followed and Rommel seems
to be unwilling SO far to stop and
fight"
He praised the efforts of the
French forces in Southern Tunisia
for the part they are playing in
meeting a German offensive "ad-
mirably." These French forces, he
added, are being increased through
out North Africa by fresh troops
and equipment.
Sees Long Fight.
Mr.. Stimson spoke highly Of the
increasing success of our cam
paign at Buna, New Guinea, in over
coming intricate nature of the
defense system which al
lows for very stubborn resistance. !"
BY the co-ordinated action of all
arms he declared we are gradually
overcoming this resistance but We
must anticipate long fight to clear
all of the JapS out of the island -
The encouraging factor in the
Solomons campaign, Mr.. Stimson
pointed out, is the success with
which "reintorcements and supplies
are steadily going into Guadal-
canal" He described the situation as
improved" especially as result of
the striking power of the Navy.
Mr. Stimson opened his resume by
referring to the Russian campaign
as by far the most important in
size and effect" He generalized at
length in dealing with the Russian
situation, reminding that last fall
the Germans had claimed they had
used up" the Russian Army and
had practically put it out of busi-
ness for next year"
Il must close with my usual
note" Mr.. Stimson said at the end
of his review. While the outcome
of the war is definitely favorable to
the United Nations, much hard
fighting lies ahead.
The Axis has literally many mil
lions of troops to call upon. We
must expect many and heavy cas-
ualties and some reverses before we
can achieve final victory"