PREINVASION SPECULATION
SINCE THE FEBRUARY day when Kwajalein
was taken over and the U. S. began to extend its control over the Marshall
Islands, the Pacific scene has changed. Now the U. S. Navy roves freely and a
new phase of the campaign appears at hand. After the success of the
MacArthur-Nimitz thrust at Hollandia, announcement was made of a new
arrangement between the two and it became apparent that bigger and tougher
blows would soon be delivered as the Jap inner home-defense area — indicated on
the map by a zig-zag line —-was approached. After Hollandia, the huge naval
task force a few days ago revisited once-powerful Truk to give it the hardest
pounding to date. Branching arrows indicate possible moves.
METEOROLOGICALY,
the
most favorable conditions for Invasion arc at hand. Around the world OK
fateful prediction has been passed: "Sometime in May!"
Those who watch the tides, the moon and the weather forecast; "May
1st to May 3rd." War correspondents pooled their wisdom and voted:
"May 6th to May 9th 'will find conditions perfect"
Others say May 17th "has everything you'd want" Well, here is
a colander and a map showing various directions mentioned for the terrific Allied
assaults. See if you can guess. From the east and the
west, the major drives are expected to be launched simultaneously. From
the south, the thrust may spread from Corsica and Sardinia to France. From Italy
a thrust may be made into the Balkans. Russia. It is reported, will head
straight for Berlin across Poland and the Channel coast thrust may swing
from Norway and Denmark to Calais or Dieppe, or Cherbourg, or
Bordeaux.
ejt
No comments:
Post a Comment