1950-11-24 — Page 7

TIN CHINA"

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 24

Chapter 21 Of Winston Churchill's Fourth Book Of War Memoirs HOW THE DECISION WAS TAKEN TO INVADE NORTH AFRICA

WRING this month of July, 1942, when I was politically at iny weakest and thout a gleam of success, had to procure from the ited States tho decisión tch, for good or ill, Iminated the next two hrs of the war. This was abandonment of all ns for crossing the Chan- In 1942, and the occupa- French North of

Fica in the autumn or Iter by a large Anglo- herican expedition.

In

British imports of perhaps

230,000 tona. But far more sorious

is the fact that, ac cording to Mountbatten, it we interrupt the training of the troops we should, apert

from the 108S of

craft & delay. "Round ffull-scale Invasion of Europe] or 1943 "Boloro [preparations for the main landing

in France] for at frast two or three months, even ff the enterprise were the troops unsuccessful and had to be withdrawn after a short stay.

Bomber effort

nor

clear the way and maintain the contact with Russia, in Washington neither Gen. Marshall (who urged a land- ing in Europe during 1042) Admiral King (whore eyca toere on the Pacifies favoured the North Africa venture. Mr Roosevelt-de- cided to send both men to London with Mr. Harry Hop- kins to discuss Mr Churchill's recent correspondence with the President.]

Chur American visitors landed at Prestwick on Saturday, July 18, and travelled by train to Hore they went into London. immediate conference with the American Service Chiefs now capital, established in the Elsenhower, Clark, Stark and Spantz. The debate on "Sledge- hammer" was renewed. Opinion anong

American leaders the was still strongly in favour of pressing on exclusively with this

operation. Only the President himself seemed to have been impressed by my for arguments. He had drafted the delegation the most massive and masterty document on war palley that I

the ovent of a lodgment being effected and maintained it would have to be nourish ed, and the bomber effort of Germany would have to

be curtailed. All our w Bre

would be involved in defending the bridgehead The possibility of mounting large-scale operation in 1943

be marred, it would ruined.

our resources Would be absorbed plecemeal on the front which narrow very alone is open. It may

there- fore be said that premature action

1942, while proti- In ably

in ending would decisively injure the MEMORANDUM

had made a careful study mind and the President's

reactions for some time t, and I was sure that he powerfully attracted by North Africa plan. This 1 always been my sim, as s set forth in my papers of tember, 1941. There was by W general agreement on the

that no major An side itish

-Channel operation could place before 1943, but all preparation for mount- in the greatest strength ould continue with the ul- est acal the

moment had come to

y "Sledgehammer" (an at- on Brest and Cherbourg), Alch had been dead some je.

Plainest terms

With the general agreement

all my colleaghres

and the

fets of Star I slatter the Yo with whatever force 1

command and uld

In the

fhent terms in an important egram to the President. rmer Haval Person to Pre- ident

8 July '42. responsible British general, Admiral or air marshal is prepared. to recommend

Sledgehammer"

prac- a prae- ticable

in opemtion

1942. The Chiefs of Staff have reported.

conditions

The

which would make "Sledge-

ก

prise are very unlikely

to occur."

sending

prospect

not

disaster,

his hand.

SILALL

ever saw

War policy

AND

For

from

HON.

of

We should concentrate our

efforts and avoid dispersion. Absolute co-ordinated use

British and American forces in casential.

U.S. and British All available

forces should be brought into action as quickly as they can be profitably used.

It is of the highest importance that U.S. ground troops be brought into action against the enemy In 1942.

Persian route

British and American material

de-

promisca to Russia must be carried out in good faith. If the Persian route of livery is used, preference

be given to raust

combat material. This aid must con- as delivery is Linue as long possible, and Russia must be

termino upon another, place for United States troops to Ugh in 1063

I hope for total agreement within one week of your arrival.

FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT, Commander-in-Chief. *Author's heavy type.

that

I was naturally aware the American war leaders, now

It is my present view of the

world picture that: (a) If Russia contains a large German force against Her, "Round-up" becomes possible gathered in London, atlil had to be convinced that our view WES in 1943. and plans for

Hop practicable one. the only "Round-up" should be

kina came to Chequers over the mod lately considered

week-end, and we went over the divergence · be- informally

ang

Next meeting

was

preparations made for it. (b) If Russia collapses and tween us. On Monday morning, German air and ground July 20, the first meeting with

delegates American released "Round- the forces are up" may be impossible of held in the Cabinet room. fulfilment in 1943. The Middle East should be held as strongly as possible, whether Russia collapses of not. I want you to take into consideration the effect of losing the Middle East, Such loss means in series:

Possibilities

encouraged to continue *C* Loss of sistance. Only complete col- lapse, which seems unthink- able, should alter this deter- mination on our part.

will In regard to 1942, you

carefully. Investigate the par- sibility of executing "3'edge- hammer." Such an operation would

sustain definitely Russla this year. "Sledge- hammer" is of such grave Importance that every reason calls for

it.

of well-organised HARRY L. HOPKINS, GEN. Man- KING: ADML. large-scale action in 1948.

London as my personal You representatives for the

1 am sure myself that French You will proceed immediately

North Africa "Gymnast"] Is

by for the best chance for

effecting relief to the Rus- alan front in 1042. This has nil

in harmony In fact, it idea. commanding Is the true Second Front of 1942. I have con- sulled Cabinet and Defence Committee, and we all agree, Here is the safest and most

can fruitful stroke that delivered this autumn....

along been

with your idea. is your Here

Difficulties

to

pur-

to all

The next meeting was held on the afternoon of July 22, Gen. Marshall opened the discussion by saying that he and his colles- A deadlock gues had reached in their talks with the British Chiefs of and therefore

move

thes

that they wants have to report Egypt and the Suez to the President for Instructions. shared I replied that I fully Canal: loss of Syria: loss of the ardent desire of the Presl- Mosul, oil-welds; logs of the dent and his Service advisers Persian Gulf through attacks to

the enemy in the engage from the north and west, to-

at the greatest possible strength gother with access to all earliest possible moment," but

with the Persian Guf oil; Joining that I felt that

limited We should hands between

disposal, we Germany fotees at our

attempting o jusuided in and Japan and the probable not bo

In 1942, loss of the Indian Ocean; the Sledgehammer th

I pointed to the number very Important probability

In looming possibilities of German occupation at ugly

front of us. There might; for Tunis, Algiers, Morocco, Dakar accomplishment of

and

mans might the cutting or example, be a collapse in Russia,

Germans or the the ferry route through Free- into the Caucasus, or town should strongly urge ima~

and Liberia: serious might beat Gen. Auchinleck and mediate

danger all-out preparations

shipping in occupy the Nile Delta and the the South Atlantic and Suez Canal, or again they might for it, that it be pushed with poon of consultation with the

utmost vigour, and that it bo serious danger to Brazli and establish themselves in North appropriate British authorities

Dot whether or

the whole of the cast contt Africa and West Africa and executed on the conduct of the war.

thereby of South America. Russian

becomes collapse military and naval The

event I Include imminent. have been

in the shove pos- strategic changes

Russian collapse becomes sibilities the use by the Gür- 30 great since Mr Churchill's

probable, "Sledgehammer"

mans of Spain, Portugal, and visit to Washington that it

their territorieg... 10 reach became necessary

not merely advis

The but immediate

imperative. agreement

principal objective of "Sledge- joint operational plans be-

is hammer"

the tween

positive. the Eritish and our-

diversion

German air of selves along two lines:

from the Russian forces Definite plans

fron!. balance of 1042, (b) Tentative plans for

year 1943,

which of course will be subject to change in the light of occurrences in 1942, but which should be Initiated at this time in all cases involving preparation in 1942 far operations In 1943.

bo

(a)

are

becomes

оп

able

for

the

the

In

the

Another place

ve strain on our shipping. tive striput an almost prohibi- Nevertheless, disagreement and Great Britain between America would have far greater consequences than all the above best

therefore will determine the

It was possiblities. methods of holding the Mid- agreed that the American Chiefs to the dle East. These methods in- of Staff should report

elther T clude defnitely both Sending

You

the

Aid

following:

President that the British were (a) not prepared to go ahead with and ask for and ground "Sledgehammer" forces to the Perslan Gulf, to instructions. Syria and to Egypt; (b)

A new operation In Moreo-

co and Algiers intended to

Not surprised

President Roosevelt replied at

drive in against the back once that he was not surprised

of Hommel's amics. at the disappointing outcome of French the London talks. He agreed

Only if you are completely con-

door vinced that "Sledgehammer"

The of Impossible execution

atitudo of reasonable chance

Colonial troops is still in of

Combi," intended its

pur-

"Stedgehammer"" is finally

Besides

We the above studying very hard the possibility of an operation in Northern Norway (known "Jupiter"3, 05,

if this should impracticable, elso- prove sound, sensibic

The dif where in Norway. ficulties are great owing to the danger of shore-based

out The common aim of the United. I aircraft

attack

upon our

Nations must be the defeat of ships. We are having fright-

the Axis Powers. There can- dificulties about the Russian convoys. All the not be compromise on this

point. more is it necessary to try to

They

Chiefs of Staff.

are now

their paper to your taking up of the shipping boing proceeded with

by

is for camouflage purposta, hough

it involves a loss in

fui

IS with serving

pose inform me.

In the Pacific

and definitely out of the pte- I am ture I want you to consider can tho

situation world

na ti exists

at that time, and de-

THE LONDON THEATRE: By BEVERLEY BAXTER, M.P.

Dare-devil Frankie Howerd

Satirises Number

LONDON.

This <row long and Joud nor

10

does he discriminate be the theatre. When the ageing

accomplice at

(the poor thing is 30 FT is a solemn thought applause from the audience, a tween the artists on the stage. Phoebe

irmpersonates an that in these notes to- fact which by this time has no He is their willing, encourage years old)

doubt been reported to the ap- ing

times imaginary ali

niece and goes to the ball to have her revenge on Peter Graves who has been at the wars for ten years, the

day we shall discuss propriate authorities. The and at all levels. jo British musicals which sketch ends with the

arrival

of an American GI who

ve just been presented in thought he would like to bndon. What is more, we Mr Aillee.

see

"You mean the Prime Mials

THE SWEET MISS RAYE piece becomes delightfully gay.

EVERYONE ap- new Ivor ler of England?" The voices of

la informed that Mies cely Courtneidge has hred in

vello musical at

ester preparatory to ncing upon London.

the theatre

And when Peter, fascinated- knows that there is a like all the others by the lively young creature, tells her the chorladies were full of rhythm to audience reaction.

that it is hor Aunt Phoebe he Man- awe. Then they opened the ad- door of No. 10 and shouted:

we give u uphill really loves, then

struggle

surrender better, the

and "HI, Clem! You're wanted.”

Monday night work, Wednesday

16

end on Saturday night people unconditionally to Barric the

Let

- then give credit will laugh or cry at almost carcerer. In fact, the only dint la

it has been so anything. itannia's ahteld is that Ste- where

earned. courageously

The en Williams's excellent, show, Idon City, has been untime spectacle of British comediaus“

The attempts to get rid of Therefore it was with some

the imaginary niece constitute torn from the Adelphi. It daring to do or say something misgivings that I went to the

a classic of sustained gamis in- beyond their, usual rigid mits Phoenix on Monday (hnying served a longer stay...

vention. For from being of anatomy and. exterity missed the opening the previous hored I hated the idea of it Out of the World, at the earns both gratitude and "en- Friday) to ECO Dear Miss

end. I would lladium, - comes »from a long, couragement.

Phoebe, a musical adaptation of coming to op

have liked the plece to go on Journ

Barrie's Quality Street,

and on like the brook-despite Nor wero my misgivings it being on a Monday night. allayed during the first twenty

Carol Frankie Hoerd beads minutes. Miss Mr

AND A COMEDIENNE

at Blackpool and refore has a unity which Is

fective without quite attain-

the level of art. Yet lot

harlen to record that in this

BRINGS SMILES

Rayo

ely hodge-podge there are the bill and deservedly no. He looked sweet and sang sweetly. tually two atkal patches. looks rather

ses in December.

- 196 Potor Miss Olga Lindo seemed wast-

Dear Miss Phoebe is not for the smart set or those wha

be Polladium is no stranger Ustinov and can suggest more ed na the sweet, understanding

burlesque, but satire by Milan comedintis is as rare as humqur than is actually in his older sister, and the music believe that there is no mys

the sweetest mood of words. Even in a singularly was, in ...

unfunny sketch of a holiday Novellofam. Even Peter Graves, tery to women who hide their camp he brings miles to our who grows in authority and wan chocks. Like And Field good looks, was a sweet fellow

on a manly scale. a genuing gift The first is based upon that characterisation and Uko Sld ig established feature of Field he should leave the muck

1. SHINWELL'S HATS

ho has

ost-End life, the alterary to his losper brethren.

ncheon. The audienco --Was Miss Blunio Hale han beck

HIDE THOSE LEGS!

eas

berienth billowing' akkiria, it is for the oublie who found pleasure in Bless the Bride-pi what I am toki, the managem call the Wimbledon public, mi

........

To all must-and. I'am one of How in this discordant, age their number in this cas

The

* quite sure what it was in added to the show but seems could we informat ourselves in, pronike an 'evening of develop quf, and the comedians had a little undecided as to what the twitterings of females who ingchara and deligt

work hard for their laugh, is expected of her. No longer almost swooned a the sight of music of Harry Farr Davies is Tonally I found it a delight-

of an age to play la gamine, a man and, in their refinement, deceptively Innocent even if change from that nordul Daca of Palladium.hu-

she hesitates

between the oko thost: Isha: legs (of) chales? Haluddin, min: Prince: Ifor grande, domé du theatre and Thoủ things may have been. Boompa-a-daleyffrandet. Ivor the lalo and hearty. I hopu nil right in Barrie's time but kuyala in a single "number. io second gatira is even Ivor Brown will forgive me what chance--with-un- had You will loep, your heart to

daring. We are present for, this.

FOR FREEPR acain Carol Bare: you will sco 1, with scene depict is loudest applause of the the amunicipkled

5120a Boulful" understanding."" pm- dag of No. 10 Towing seals went to is Qiler day!

formance. by: Qlow Idudo Hand Olinale Prinz Howen my Grajewo dually found But I **Wandelen, Al man meining now in costume mod.

Barte the hardest

wed, two-bats enters the movement, but

portals" and "Mr. Tackles work was done by the pre

his accomplice that chestra led by the todotathin a

Shinwall, bis MENS

Wool, Phillips.

pyckoned without

in

all

out

that it was no

use continuing

翅

to press for "Sledgehammerton,

the face of British

and instructed his delegation

opposed 10 an Amer to reach a decision with us on effort some operation which would in- volve American ground forces the Pacific against

brought into action being Japan with the view to her against the enemy in 1942. defeat as quickly as possible. It is of the utmost importance that we appreciate that defont

Thus "Sledgehammer" fell by the wayside and "Gymnast came into its own. Marshall of Japan does not defeat

Sing, though naturally dis- Germany, and that American appointed bowed to the decl- concentration against Japan Rion of their Commander-in- this year or in

1943

Increases Chlef and the greatest goodwill the chance of complete Ger between us all again man domination of Europe

I now hasten to rechriste

my

and Africa. On the other favourite. Gymnast" "Super- hand, it is obvious that defeat Gymnast" and "Semi-Gymnast"

hany

or the holding

OK!

our code-words. in 1043 or in 1943 vanished from

Instruction means probable eventual de- On July 24 in an

from me to the Chiefs of

Staff feat of Germany In

Torch"

became the new and European and African theatre Tor and in the Near East. Defeat President cabled"

On July 25 the master term.

to Hopkins

of Germany means the defeat that plans for landings in North of Japan, probably without

Africa to take place "not later firing a shot or losing a ilfe." Please remember three cardinal than October 30" should go principles-speed of decision ahead at once. That evening our on plans, unity of plans, at- friends set off on their fourney tack combined with defence but not defence alone.

This affects the Immediate objec tive of United States ground forces Aghing

against Ger- mans in 1942.

back to Washington.

World Copyright reserved. · Repro-

even partially, in duction, language. strictly prohibited.

(MORE TOMORROW)

Line and Half-tone BLOCKS...

of the finest quality

are once again being

· produced by the Pro- cess. Department of South China Morning Trout.

Under the direction of a British Expert; Axperience and skilled ↑ eraftsmanship: "próc

anu

BRAATHENS

The most pleasant route to Europe!

HONGKONG OSLO via AMSTERDAM

BOOKINGS ACCEPTED FOR ALL BUROTE

Braathena S.A.P.E. Airtrapappzt A/S

FLIGHTS EVERY FRIDAY 9 AM

Book Passages & Freight Through Your Trayal Agent

or

Agents:

WALLEM & COMPANY LIMITED. Hongkong & Shanghai Bank Building

Tel: 38041-5

ETERNA MATIC

First Watch to Wind Itaalf

on a

Ball Bearing

Bearing with S tiny steel balls,

oach 25,000 the of an inch in

ellameter - 23,500 balls weigh 1 oxi

ETERNA MATIC

GRANT

SOLE ADENTO

ED. A. KELLER & CO., LTD.

EXPERIENCE

30

Years of

progress

FLY TO AUSTRALIA

IN LESS THAN 2 DAYS

Australia's International Airline flies joasa the quickest route from Hong Kong to Australia and the Pacific lilands: Same day connections with New Zedirik.. Fly by modern Skymaster aircraft in 2 days. Enjoy luaurious comfort and perfect Food served ttentiva stewards: Jardine's of your

Qan

QEA