In Russia and Libya
The war has to be judged as a whole. Events in the Far East must be measured side by side with the momentous campaigns which are being waged in Russia and North Africa and on the Atlantic. In Russia the outlook is very different from what it was a few weeks ago, and the change is to the advantage of our ally. In the extreme south, where not long ago the enemy was at the gate-way to the Caucasus at Rostov, the shattering blows which have been dealt by Timoshenko's armies continue. The German army is still in confused retreat before his frontal attacks from Taganrog, and threatened on its flank and in the rear by the forces pressing on through the Donetz region. If the situation continues to develop as it promises to do, the Nazi forces operating against Sebastopol cannot feel that their rear is safe at the Perekop Isthmus. In the Moscow region the enemy threatening Tula on the south have met with reverses ; and it appears that the more dangerous thrusts farther north, including that at Mojaisk, have been successfully held, and that the Germans are contemplating digging in for the winter—if they are allowed to. The immediate peril to the communications of Leningrad is removed by the recapture of Tikhvin, the key railway-town. The autumn campaign on which Hitler staked so much appears to be ending with Leningrad and Moscow still firmly held by our ally and with the rout of the spearhead of the Nazi force which aimed at the Caucasus. To turn from the Russian to the African front, we find that whilst our forces have by no means gained that spectacular success which at first was hoped for, the position is far better than it appeared to be when the enemy regained Sidi Rezegh. Our main army has now joined up again with the force at Tobruk, and the enemy are on the defensive to the south and west of the town, the whole region to the east being now deared of enemy troops except at Bardia and around Sollum. The enemy is by no means defeated, but he has suffered severe losses in tanks and material, and the net advantage in the recent fighting lies with us.
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