The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1942-07-10
washington, d. @.
SUPPLIES TO RUSSIA

washington, d. @.
SUPPLIES TO RUSSIA
The fates and the weather were
good to the Russians last winter.
But now another twist of fate and
the weather are working against
the United States and Russia.
II SO happens that the polar ice
cap this year has come farther
south than at any other time in 100
years. This has pushed the ship
ping lanes by which U. S. conveys
carry supplies to Murmansk, closer
and closer to Norway and the pow
erful Nazi bases there.
Result is that only 200 miles OF
sea separate the polar ice packs
and the coast of Norway--a very
narrow gauntlet for ships to run,
facing simultaneous attack from
Nazi submarines, airplanes and de-
stroyers.
This is why there have been
losses on the route to Russia. It is
also why the United States has not
been able to deliver all the supplies
promised Russia-though it has
tried desperately and the Russians
have tremendously appreciated the
effort.
To prey on this shipping, the
Nazis have developed one of their
strongest bases at Trondhein, Nor
way. There they have not only
submarines, but land-based air.
planes. They also have the advan-
tage during the summer Of nearly
"a hours of daylight.
Therefore, conveys skirting the
north tip of Norway have to fight
a running battle for three days be-
fore they can reach Murmansk. It
is continuous day and night fighting,
with scarcely wink of sleep for the
crews. Merchant vessels bristle
with armament. Guncrews have
been giving magnificent account
of themselves, but the odds are tre-
mendous.
FRANCE GOES ANTI-NAM
It can be no secret to the Nazis
that scores Of Frenchmen are sneak
ing out of France to England by
small boat or even airplane. Some
eventually have found their way to
the United States.
The story they tell is one OF the
most encouraging Of the war pic
lures, but it shows our state depart
ment to be tagging months behind in
its policy toward France.
The people of France, say these
heroes of midnight channel-cross-
ings, are so far ahead Of the U. S.
state department that it would be
humorous If 1t were not pathetic.
U. S. food shipments to French
North Africa, they say, won't help
win over the French people; II any
thing, will retard the independence
movement there.
The French have been won over
by much greater issues than food,
and are insulted at the state de-
partment's idea that they would sell
their souls for mess of pottage.
Here are the major developments
which have really influenced France;
/. The behavior Of the Germans
in France.
2. The fact that Britain was not
only able to prevent Nazi invasion,
but now is so effectively bombing
the continent.
8. The resistance of the Russians.
4. American entry into the war.
OF all these, one of the most ct.
fective- incidents was the British
bombing of the Renault motor plant
(Frenchmen had been tipped off to
leave in advance), and the drop
ping of the French flag along the
Champs Elysee by q British fighter
plane last week.
So when the Big Push does come,
it will find an enthusiastic French
people anxious to cooperate.
Note: The French feet, these
Frenchmen say, now win not be
turned over to Hitler-not because
Of food shipments, but because the
French sailors won't permit it; and
the Nazis haven't got the $4,000
naval perSonnel aValapie W Hldn
them.
,psa AXIS OILFIELDS
Behind the frequent Jap bombing
raids on North Australia is a very
important fact which has escaped
the headlines. As long as General
MacArthur's planes are based on
North Australia, the Japs can't 60
ahead with their long-cherished
plans to develop the oil fields Of
Java.
For long range q. s. army
bombers can carry pay loads to
Java and make a shambles Of
oil tanks and oil wells.
That is why the Japs still
want to take North Australia,
a. Av.n HnwaI Ca0 hm tia