RUSSIA.
SIOE="-1" FACE="Courier New"> Issues of the frost magnitude
now hang on the questions if when and where the Germans can stop
the Russian pressure. The Russian advance has slowed down during
the past week, but the presume on the Germans is still such that
they have not been able to withdraw more than a very few divisions
for rest and refit in GEPMANY. It is essential for the Russians
to keep the enemy on the move, and their advance, south-westwards
to the west of ROHEV and westwards to the west of KALUGA, with
the cutting of the important VYASMA-BRYABK railway are significant
items in this process. In the CRIMEA, honors are easy the Russian
landings having evoked powerful German reactions. For the Germans,
it is equally essential to establish a line on which they could
stabilize the from and behind which they would withdraw some
of their tired troops. For example, early all the German armoured
divisions on the Russian front have been constantly in action
without a proper rest for six months. Unless and until they can
withdraw substantial numbers of troops from the Russian Front
- more exactly, until at least two months after they begin to
do this they cannot start any major operation elsewhere
In MALAYA the inevitable
retreat in the face of superior numbers has continued, more rapidly
than had been hoped, bit in accordance with well-ordered and
well-executed plans. British and Indian units which bore the
brunt of the first month have been withdrawn well behind the
front line which is now held by fresh troops, including Australians.
The Japanese advance has brought SINAPORE within range of fighter
cover for enemy bombers.
SIAM.
SIOE="-1" FACE="Courier New"> The Japanese forces have been
increased by one division.
SPAIN. The %re are no signs
of any military preparations against SPAIN.
ITALY.
SIOE="-1" FACE="Courier New"> The strengthening of the German
air force in SICILY and South ITALY continues.
BALKANS
SIOE="-1" FACE="Courier New">. There is no evidence of any military
threat to TURKEY in the near future.
CHINA. The Japanese operation
against CHANGSHA was probably intended as a diversion during
their attack on HONG KONG. It succeeded in its object. Owing
to the weakness of the force employed, the Chinese were easily
able to drive it back but their victorious claims have not, at
resent, been fully substantiated and press reports are exagg
3.
AIR OPERATIONS
WESTERN FRONT.
SIOE="-1" FACE="Courier New"> Weather conditions, including
some snow and sleet, were generally unfavorable. The main objectives
of bomber command were BREST
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