Prospects in Africa
There is still little hint of major operations in North Africa. The Eighth Army is obviously preparing to attack. Indeed reports from Axis quarters suggest that it is already creeping round Rommel's southern flank. Whether the enemy can stand upon the Zem Zem- Misurata position will probably depend upon the weight with which the remarkabk advance from Fort Latby is being carried out. Fezzan, with its capital and main military base, is now in the hands of the Fighting French, who seem to be moving on a desert track which strikes up towards the rear of the Zeni Zem position towards Tripoli, now only about 300 miles away. The smoothness with which this column has dealt with all the opposition in its path seems to indicate that it is no negligible force. In Tunisia there is still no evidence of anything more than active patrolling activity. The enemy force is now put at about 55,003_ though one estimate makes it as high as 75,000. General Giraud suggests that the clash with this army will develop into a heavy bat!le ; but the numbers hardly confirm that anticipation. The First British Army and the United States Fifth Army with the French troops should be more than equal to dealing with an army double the size, as far as mere numbers go. If only numbers were in question the delay in the Allied attack would scarcely improve matters ; for, in spite of all a very experienced and numerous air-force assisted by submarines can do, reinforce- ments are getting across steadily to the enemy.
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