The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-05-18


 So far there is $13.50 in the pot, which goes to show how many different theories exist inside the Navy as to where the second front will start. The final decision of course will be made by the gentle- men now discussing strategy in the White House.
 There are some interesting dif- nculties between this current meeting and those previously held between the President and Winston Churchill. Aside from the fact that during the other conferences we were not winning, and now we arc, the most import ant difference is secrecy.
 Both at Casablanca and in Washington last summer, the Churchill Roosevelt conferences were absolutely mum. No an- nouncement was made that the two statesmen had met until 1t was all over. There was no par ticular reason for the Washington secrecy because Churchill was sub Ject to no danger, at least no more than he is today.
 This time, however, the Allies want the Axis to know that Churchill and Roosevelt are
 meeting. Obviously they want it known that they are discuss ing the one big question sure to spell Axis defeat - a second front on the European contin- ent.
 The knowledge that Roosevelt and Churchill arc plotting new offensiyes just as the Axis suffers It's most crushing blow IS bound to have terrific undermining effect on the people Of Germany.
 AXIS KEPT GUESSING
 Speculation is running rife in the Axis today as @ result of the Roosevelt Churchill meeting, as to where and when the Allies will strike next.
 Since the Axis has some Of the best military Stratcgists tn the world. and since charting war, like chess, includes efforts to read the enemy's next moves, here is probably what Nazi strategists are speculating on right now:
 The Allies, they know, can make one of three general moves to in- wade Europe: GD Across the Medi- tcrranean into Italy; 2) Around the Mediterranean through Turkey and the Balkans; (3) Across the Channel to France.
 The first of these, across the the Mediterranean into the two Italian islands of Sicily and Sar- dinia, the Axis is already count ing on. The German radio has warned of Allied transports and troopships at Gibraltar for this purpose. So the invasion of Sicily and Sardinia must seem certain. But the Axis also knows that we know how hard 1t would be to go beyond Sicily on up the Italian peninsula and penetrate Alps which hem in Italy from Europe proper; also how difficult 1t would be feed the H,000,0o0 people of Italy,
 The second front through the Balkans, the Axis knows, would be slower. Troops have to be shipped farther. A neutral Tur- key has to be reckoned with. Also and this is most important, the Axis can speculate that Russia does not want British armies in Balkan countries which she con- siders her sphere of influence, and some of which she expects to bring under her wing after the war.
 However, these two fronts through Italy or through the Ball. kans - have one great advantage which the Axis must reckon with, namely, that American troops al- ready are nearby. They are in North Africa, together with Bri- tish troops, therefore they don't have to be transported across a submarine infested Atlantic. ACROSS THE CHANNEL
 This brings us down to the third possible front - across the Chan mel to France. This is the front which we know worries the Axis most, where they have built up the heaviest Qualifications.
 Undoubtedly, Axis worries stem from two things: the narrow 2O- mile distance from England; knowledge that Russia has con- no power over us If we resolutely push right thoughts and impulses