Evening star., 1943-09-12

British bases are being completed Moth.
ing is being left to chance and when the
zero hour arrives we can be sure that
the American and British forces will not
be stopped by the Nazis. Our air supe-
riority will be increased to such an extent
this fall and winter that we may not
need the so-called 2-to-1 superiority In
ground forces
At present Germany has about 80 divi-
sions in the Lowlands and In France.
Under the best circumstances. so long as
the Russians remain In the war, the
Nazis will not be able to send more than
80 additional divisions to the area even
If their eastern front Is sufnciently short
ened to be held with q smaller force.
The submarine menace is well under
control and the Allies have complete
naval supremacy In the North Atlantic.
This will be Of enormous assistance to
the invading force.
Gen. George G. Marshall, who soon will
60 to England to take over the command
Of the Allied forces, win put the final
touches to the preparations. Those who
know our Chief Of Staff realize that he
will leave nothing undone.
We are fully aware Of the German de-
lenses dotting the entire coast from Dem
mark to Spain. But they no longer fill us
with misgivings. We have already en-
countered the Germans in Africa and
Sicily and we know that fixed defenses,
regardless Of how well they are manned,
can be conquered by well-trained and
organized invading force.
The surrender Of Italy frees the British
heet from the Mediterranean and the
few remaining Nazi submarines based on
the Aegean Islands and Crete will not
bother the British lines OF communities
ton. A few light units backed by the
French fleet which are ready to put to
sea can easily take care Of whatever
opposition these submarines may offer.
The freeing Of the British warships is
OF utmost importance to the United
States. Plans for q successful campaign
IN Burma depend largely on the presence
IN the Cult OF Bengal Of powerful Brit
ish naval force to which could be added
the American units now operating in
the Mediterranean.
Acceptable to Chinese.
Lord Mountbatten, who has been
chosen by Prime Minister Churchill as
commander Of the Allied invasion force
IN Burma, Is q young man full Of yipor
and enthusiasm. There is no question
that he will do his utmost to reopen thu
Burma road If he is given sufhcient men
and equipment and adequate naval
assistance.
Lord Mountbatten's selection has been
heartily indorsed by the American lead.
ers Because Of his record and his Close
family relationship with the king of
England, he Is bound to impose his will
on the hesitant viceroy Field Marshal
archibald Wavell. For the same reason
ne Is more acceptable to Chinese Gener.
! alissimo Chang Kai-shek than any othe,
high-ranking British oficer.
Lord Louis has chosen a number q,
young American generals who win h.
on his staff. He Is enthusiastic about
this task, which viii add more luster To
ms name. But, like other military men
ne Is convinced that unless he has the
backing of strong naval force his Of
iensive will have to be confined To bril-,
liant If Ineffective raids.
1t Is true that jungle warfare does not
require as large an army as is required
IN nghting in Europe. One division
which on the eastern front is regarded
only as an adequate rearguard force. can