Page 1774
NAVY DEPARTMENT
Office of Chief of Naval Operations
Office of Naval Intelligence
Washington
CONFIDENTIAL
Copy No. 83
Serial No. 25
December 1, 1941
FORTNIGHTLY SUMMARY OF CURRENT NATIONAL SITUATIONS December 1, 1941
(Information concerning Anti-Axis Belligerents is omitted from this publication due to its wide dissemination by mail.)
Because of the CONFIDENTIAL
nature of the sources from which some of the information embodied in the text
of this publication issues, and because of the CONFIDENTIAL channels through
which it is transmitted to the Division of Naval Intelligence, it is
appropriate to invite particular attention to the CONFIDENTIAL character of
this publication.
T. S. Wilkinson
Captain, U. S. Navy
Directory of Naval Intelligence
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Serial No. 25
December 1, 1941
Fortnightly
Summary of Current National Situations
A. The Diplomatic
Situation
1. Japan
Unless the Japanese request
continuance of the conversations, the Japanese-American negotiations have
virtually broken down. The Japanese Government and press are proclaiming loudly
that the nation must carry on resolutely the work of building the Greater East
Asia co-prosperity Sphere. The press also is criticising Thailand severely.
Strong indications point to an early Japanese advance against Thailand.
Relations between Japan and
Russia remained strained. Japan signed a five-year extension of the
anti-comintern pact with Germany and other Axis nations on November 25.
2. Germany
Members of the German
Armament Commission in Casablanca are now authorized to wear uniforms and make
arrests. General Schultheiss of the Air Force, Head of the Commission, is
reported to favor a German occupation of Morocco.
There is evidence that
Germany, now virtually in control of the Government of Spain and Portugal, has
impressed upon these governments the necessity of maintaining friendly
relations with the United States and with Britain. It is Germany's expectation
that such a policy will increase the resources of these two countries with materials
which eventually can be turned against those who have supplied them.
Turkey still is being
subjected to diplomatic pressure to join the Axis or "take the
consequences." Germany's representations have had no apparent effect.
According to a press report
from Berlin, seven more nations have signed the anti-comintern pact. The new
signatories are Finland, Denmark, Bulgaria, Croatia, Slovakia, Rumania, and the
Nanking Government in China. This pact should not be confused with the
Tri-Power Accord of which Germany, Japan and Italy were the original
signatories and to which Rumania, Hungary, Bulgaria and Yugoslavia subsequently
adhered.
[1]
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3. Italy
The repurchase of war
materiel sold to Italy by the French is now the subject of conversations being
held by a French delegation which arrived recently in Rome. These conversations
were initiated by Italy and were based on Italy's urgent need for foreign
exchange. These negotiations are not expected to meet with particular success.
The visit of the German
Minister of Economics (Dr. Funk) to Rome in October apparently was motivated by
the serious concern felt by Germany over the steady climb in Italian prices of
exports to Germany. Dr. Funk threatened to raise the price of coal shipments to
Italy, but it was agreed finally that Italy would not raise prices, and that
Germany would increase the yearly exports of coal to Italy from twelve million
tons previously agreed upon to eighteen million tons. Previous shipments of
coal from Germany barely reached two-thirds of the Italian national
requirements. This was demonstrated by the recent laws restricting heating this
winter.
4. France
France moved a step closer
to the "new order" in Europe on November 18 when Marshal Petain, under
continued pressure from Berlin and the pro-collaborationist elements within the
Vichy government, announced the "retirement" of General Maxime
Weygand as delegate-general and military commander of French North Africa. That
strategic area henceforth is to be administered from Vichy under the direct
control of Vice Premier Darlan. Lieutenant General Alfonse Juin, until June of
this year a prisoner of war of Germany and later commander of French troops in
Morocco, succeeds Weygand as military commander of North Africa. The military
command of French West Africa goes to General Jean Barrau, formerly in command
of troops in Dakar. Vice Admiral Fenard was named permanent Secretary General
of French Africa, and Yves Chatel is the new Governor General of Algeria.
Additional concession to the Germans may be announced following the meeting of
Petain and Darlan with Reichsmarshal Goering which is scheduled for the near
future. There are indications that this meeting may be followed by a conference
with Adolph Hitler, with the possible attendance of Premier Mussolini.
[2]
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The Reich is said to be
attempting to persuade Vichy to provide naval convoys for Italian supply
vessels and to have requested that French Army divisions replace Nazi troops
between Nantes and Irun. Germany, meanwhile, is reported to have cut the
occupation cost levied against France from $8,000,000 to $6,000,000 a day,
retroactive to May 10, 1941.
France's concern over the
situation in Africa is manifested by the sudden departure from Vichy of Admiral
Platon (Minister of Colonies), General Bergeret (Air Secretary) and Admiral
Auphan (Chief of Naval General Staff) to inspect the defenses of North and West
Africa. During the absence of Platon and Bergeret, Admiral Darlan will act as
interim Secretary of Colonies and Air. Additional powers have been granted
Darlan by placing under his National Defense Ministry all services under the
Franco-German armistice formerly administered by the War and Foreign
Ministries.
Following the dismissal of
General Weygand, the United States Department of State announced that trade
with North Africa would be suspended and that Franco-American relations were to
be studied in the light of the new developments. At the same time American lend-lease
aid was extended to the Free French of General Charles de Gaulle.
On November 26, General
Catroux (Free French Commander in Syria) proclaimed the independence of Lebanon
and the termination of the mandate in the name of France. The new government
will be headed by President Alfred Macache.
France is understood to have
protested to the Japanese government over the size of the mission, numbering
350 political and economic experts, accompanying Kenkichi Yoshizawa, new
Japanese Ambassador to French Indo-China.
Despite rumors of
capitulation, the situation in French Somaliland remains unchanged. The Paris
radio announced on November 21 that the colony could not hold out longer than
four to six weeks under the continued British blockade.
[3]
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5. Latin America
Mexico
President Roosevelt has
nominated the present Ambassador to Cuba, George S. Messersmith, to succeed
Josephus Daniels as Ambassador to Mexico. The new British Ambassador, Charles
Bateman, is expected to arrive in mid-December, which is about the same time
that Messersmith probably will take up his new duties.
The State Department
announced an agreement has been reached with Mexico providing: (1) The settling
of a final fair price for American properties taken over in 1933, through
experts or through further diplomatic negotiations. Mexico tendered $9,000,000
in advance as a token payment. (2) General and agrarian claims comprised,
Mexico to pay $40,000,000 in full settlement. Mexico has already paid
$3,000,000 on these claims and will pay #3,000,000 upon exchange of
ratifications of the conventions covering them. The remaining $34,000,000 is
payable at the rate of $2,500,000 annually. (3) A reciprocal trade agreement to
be negotiated at once. (4) The United States will provide a $40,000,000
stabilization fund to maintain the peso at its present rate. (5) The United
States will purchase up to 6,000,000 ounces of newly-minted Mexican silver
monthly.
The Export-Import Bank has
established a $30,000,000 credit for the development of road and highways. The
credit will be available in yearly increments up to $10,000,000 over a three
year period. The Mexican Government guarantees payment unconditionally; and
additional security is provided, in the form of highway bonds, payable from the
Federal gasoline tax.
Costa Rica
President Calderon has
repeated his offer of landing fields, air and naval bases to the United States,
as free measures of hemisphere defense.
El Salvador
Pro-Axis Chief of Police
Colonel Merino has been replace by pro-Ally Colonel Monterrosa.
[4]
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Panama
Little progress is noted in
the new government of Panama towards consolidation of its gains. The second
designate to the presidency is named Minister to Washington; the third
designate, Anibal Rios, is in Colombia, and will be arrested if he returns to
Panama, where a number of his supporters have been jailed. Key positions still
are occupied by Ariaristas, although there is a cordial disposition to
cooperate with the United States. The extreme nationalistic laws passed by
Arias are not repealed, but already their application is lapsing. The
government is unlikely to do anything that will frighten off the U. S. tourist
or business dollars.
Argentina
There are many indications
that a secret understanding as to the joint defense of the Straits of Magellan
has been established between Argentina and Chile. The recent death of the
President of Chile probably will reopen discussions on defense in that area.
There have been expressions of annoyance on the part of high Argentine
officials over staff discussions between the United States and countries
adjacent to the Argentino, and over the U. S. lend-lease aid promised to
Paraguay, Uruguay and Brazil. The view is held that the Argentino is an
interested party to all such discussions and dispositions.
A new political party, of
Fascist character, called Patria has been launched in Buenos Aires by
the pro-Axis Manuel Fresco. Observers note a new student's party, or
"Young Argentine" party, in progress of formation. It is a coalition
of radical nationalist groups.
German influence in the
Argentine is very low, the Russian war having alienated many former supporters.
There is demand for a more vigorous attitude toward the Axis than that
exhibited by Vice-President Castillo, and an intensification of the Taborda
Committee activities may be expected.
While there are no immediate
signs of trouble in the Argentine, the next few weeks will be critical. The
conscripts are finishing their military service and returning home. Justo,
always a dubious factor in
[5]
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politics, seems firmly in
control of the Army. In the Senate, the nationalists and the Democrat factions
have reached an impasse. A coalition of nationalist - or totalitarian -
factions, under a strong leader, probably would mean the overthrow of the
present government.
Brazil
During the period under
review there have been some alarming reports from various sources in Brazil,
forecasting trouble between Vargas and the explosive elements in his
government. To date, however, nothing serious has occurred. Brazil is meeting,
with some hesitation, her commitments in hemisphere defense, and cooperating in
the movement of U. S. troops to Surinam by sending a military mission to
Paramaribo, and strengthening her border forces in that area. Currently,
General Goes is denouncing U. S. aims as imperialistic in South America, and
his good faith in staff discussions should be accepted with grave reservations.
Chile
The sudden death of Present
[sic] Aguirre Cerda, from a bronchial affection, has caused considerable unrest
in Chile, and responsive uneasiness in that country's neighbors. Don Tinto, as
hew as affectionately called, because of the red wine for which his vineyards
were famous, headed the only popular front government, but was generally
regarded as a friend to Democracy. He has preserved for some years an uneasy
equilibrium between highly antagonistic and immoderate factions. His successor
pro tempore is a noted conciliator. Most observers believe that the government
will remain stable during the sixty-day period before the election of a new
President.
Colombia
The Colombian Senate has
rejected the U. S. Black List of Axis firms in the Western Hemisphere, on the
grounds that, in a matter of such mutual interests to the American Republics,
all their governments should have been consulted.
The Colombian press condemns
articles on the country by Benjamin Welles and John Gunther, terming them
"Ambassadors of Ill-Will." It is not realized
[6]
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in the United States to what
a high degree the Latin-American press is sensitive to criticism of national
custom and usage. The sum total of U. S. literary comment on Latin America is
undoubtedly harmful to Pan American accord.
Bolivia
A U. S. Army Air Mission has
been established in La Paz.
Ecuador
The notorious and able Dr.
Kuhne, suspected Nazi-agent in Quito, has been banished to a small town on the
Ecuador-Colombian border, because of attention focused on him by the write John
G. Gunther.
Peru
Early in the period
observers in Peru reported widespread popular resentment over Peru's failure to
receive certain airplanes and material, embargoed by the U. S. Department of
State pending settlement of the Ecuador-Peru border dispute. Concessions have
been made in the procurement of non-combatant types, and the excitement is
subsiding. Affairs on the border are quiescent.
In Lima, the Aprista Party
announces the possibility of the resignation of President Prado, because of
popular dissatisfaction with the border situation. General Ureta, the hero of
the Ecuadorean war, is a strong Presidential possibility, but he is said to
have no desire to gain the office by unconstitutional means. Ureta is pro-U. S.
and anti-Axis.
General
The ABC countries at large
are showing signs of disillusionment and exhausted patience in the matter of
lend-lease material. Much has been promised; almost literally nothing has been
sent. Some deliveries, event token deliveries, would have a happy effect at
this time.
[7]
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Trends
Military and Naval
Mexico. The naval budget for 1942
has been set at 35,000,000 pesos, or about $8,000,000. This twice the 1941
budget.
South America. Nothing to add to summary
of November 15.
Economic.
The period under review has
been characterized by numerous complaints in the press of the American
Republics, and in reports from various local sources, over the growing dearth
of materials essential to the support of industries. Deprived of European export
markets, the American Republics look to the United States for a variety of
heavy materials, neither produced nor manufactured south of the Rio Grande.
Immediate obstacles are: The matter of priorities, and the availability of
shipping. Here, as in the lend-lease military and naval material, the patience
of the Latin-Americas is about exhausted, and their confidence in U. S. good
faith is deteriorating. Few Latin Americans appreciate the magnitude now of the
demands upon U. S. industry. Aids to Britain, to Russia, and to China, and
confusion in U. S. production, are widely advertised. Opponents take advantage
of current circumstances. As a measure of the future, no less than for
immediate benefit, the allotment to Latin American trade of certain priorities,
however limited, and of shipping, appears urgently desirable.
[8]
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B. The Japanese Military
Situation
Japanese troops, supplies
and equipment were pouring into Indo-China during the past fifteen days. Units
landed at Haiphong were sent south by rail to Saigon. Troops were moved quickly
through Saigon towards the interior and the Thailand border. The arrival of
reinforcements continues. Japanese army strength now in Indo-China is believed
to be about 25,000 in Tongking province, and between 70,000 and 100,000 in
south Indo-China.
Naval craft and aircraft
also moved south. It is estimated that there are about 200 Japanese planes in
Indo-China and roughly the same number on Hainan Island.
C. The Japanese Naval
Situation
Deployment of naval forces
to the southward has indicated clearly that extensive preparations are underway
for hostilities. At the same time troop transports and freighters are pouring
continually down from Japan and northern China coast ports headed south,
apparently for French Indo-China and Formosan ports. Present movements to the
south appear to be carried out by small individual units, but the organization
of an extensive task force, now definitely indicated, will probably take
sharper form in the next few days. To date this task force, under the command
of the Commander in Chief Second Fleet, appears to be subdivided into two major
task groups, one gradually concentrating off the Southeast Asiatic coast, the
other in the Mandates. Each constitutes a strong striking force of heavy and
light cruisers, units of the Combined Air Force, destroyer and submarine
squadrons. Although one division of battleships also may be assigned, the major
capital ship strength remains in home waters, as well as the greatest portion
of the carriers.
The equipment being carried
south is a vast assortment, including landing boats in considerable numbers.
Activity in the Mandates, under naval control, consists not only of large
reinforcements of personnel, aircraft, munitions but also of construction
material with yard workmen, engineers, etc.
D. The Chinese Military
Situation
The Chinese are
concentrating troops to defend the Burma Road. In position, or moving up for
this duty, are about 185,000 men, including China's only mechanized units.
Skirmishing was reported during the period in north Honan, south Hopei,
Shantung, south Anhwei, near Shanghai and near Canton.
[9]
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E. The German Military,
Naval and Air Situations
1. Military
Strength
It has been estimated that
Germany now may have 300 divisions. Of these, 28 divisions are unidentified. Of
the identified divisions 72 are probably unfitted and not yet ready for field
duty. This would leave 200 division ready for active service at the present
time.
Distribution
The 272 identified divisions
are distributed as follows:
Location Number of Divisions
Russian Front Total 168 (including
Northern Group 31 20 motorized,
Central Group 86 19 armored,
Southern Group 51 2 cavalry, and
2 mountain divs.)
Italy and Libya 3 (including 2 armored)
Balkans and Hungary 14 (including 1 mountain)
Poland and East Prussia 10
Finland 7 (including 1 motorized
and 3 mountain)
Germany and Austria 33
Holland, Belgium and France 27
Norway 8
Denmark 2
Operations
(Note: Eastern Front only:
see ITALY for Libyan Campaign.)
[10]
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Following the freezing of
the ground, German offensive operations have resumed.
Finnish Sector - There is evidence of
renewed pressure toward Murmansk, Kandalaksha and the White Sea. None of these
objectives has been reached to date. Karelian Front remains unchanged. There
has been a resumption of artillery action at Hangoe.
North-Central Sector - The siege of Leningrad
continues with no apparent change in the situation. The Kronstadt batteries are
reported to be still active against the Finnish right flank on the Isthmus and
against the German left flank engaged in the siege of Leningrad.
Russian counter-attacks have
prevented German forces at Tichvin, just east of the Volkhov River, from
effecting a junction with Finnish-German units in the Svir River section. This
leaves the Russian route to Leningrad via Lake Ladoga still open.
The Russians claim to have
carried out counter-attacks in the vicinity of Novgorod. These attacks have had
no visible results to date.
Central Sector - German assault against
Moscow has been resumed during the past 6-10 days. Despite bitter Russian
resistance and incessant counter-attacks, the Germans have made some headway
north and south of the city. At Kalinin no appreciable shift in the lines has
been apparent. Southeast of Kalinin the Russian have admitted fighting near
Klin, and the Germans have officially claimed the capture of Solnechnogorsk,
indicating considerable German penetration northwest of Moscow. The Russians
admit being forced back in the Mozhaisk sector. Another threat is developing at
Tula, where the Russians report great German pressure.
South-Central Sector - Gradual German advances
along the Orel-Kursk front, which have been hinted at for some time but not
substantiated, are confirmed in the reports that Yofremov (on the Moscow-Yelets
railroad) has been capture and that advance units, progressing toward the
important center of Voronezh, have reached Tim, 40 miles east of Kursk.
[11]
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Donetz Basin Sector - The Russians claim deep
advances in a counter-attack on the "Donetz Plateau", but fail to
mention the recapture of any important industrial centers. Axis reports have
emphasized gradual progress along a broad front, but have been vague as to
details.
Rostov apparently have been
captured, although the Soviets insist street fighting is still in progress. A
crossing of the lower Don River and the pursuit of retiring Red forces towards
the Caucasus is reported from Berlin.
Crimean Sector - According to reports, all
of the Crimea except Sevastopol is now in German hands. The defeat of Russian
forces in central Crimea, the breaking of strong defense positions across the
Kerch Peninsula, the capture of Kercha and of the western shore of Kerchinski
Straits have opened up another avenue for the invasion of the Caucasus.
Sevastopol is isolated and
under siege, and apparently has lost its value as a base for the Red Black Sea
Fleet.
Personalities
General Kurt von Briesen was
killed in action on the eastern front on November 29, 1941.
2. Naval
Distribution
Ship Name |
Type |
Date |
Location |
TIRPITZ |
BB |
November 9 |
Kiel |
SCHARNHORST |
BB |
November 21 |
Brest |
GNEISENAU |
BB |
November 21 |
Brest |
SCHLESWIG-HOLSTEIN |
OBB |
November 9 |
Hamburg |
SCHLESIEN |
OBB |
October 7 |
Central Baltic |
[12]
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Ship Name (Continued) |
Type |
Date |
Location |
TIRPITZ |
BB |
November 9 |
Kiel |
GRAF ZEPPELIN |
CV |
Prior Nov. 16 |
Departed Stettin |
ADMIRAL SCHEER |
CA |
November 19 |
Swinemunde |
LUETZOW |
CA |
November 9 |
Kiel |
SEYDLITZ |
CA |
October 12 |
Bremen |
PRINZ EUGEN |
CA |
November 21 |
Brest |
ADMIRAL HIPPER |
CA |
November 5 |
Off Sassnitz |
NUERNBERG) |
CL |
November 5 |
One of these two ships off Sassnitz |
LEIPZIG) |
CL |
||
KOELN |
CL |
September 29 |
Gdynia |
EMDEN |
CL |
November 9 |
Kiel |
4 Units |
DD |
September 24 |
Northern Norway |
5-7 Units |
DD |
September 24 |
In the Baltic |
1 Unit |
DD |
September 24 |
Bergen |
3 Units |
DD |
September 24 |
North Sea ports |
2 Units |
DD |
October 24 |
Cherbourg |
Remaining Units |
DD |
- |
Unknown |
150 Units (estimated) |
SS |
Operating out of German, Norwegian and French Atlantic ports. |
Operations
A smaller number than usual
of German submarines were encountered during the period of November 6 to
November 13. Two forces were operating: one off the Portuguese coast, and one
off the southern coast of Greenland.
British October shipping
tonnage losses were less than 75% of the September, 1941, losses.
[13]
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HMS ARK ROYAL was attacked
and sunk by two or more German submarines just east of Gibraltar on November
13, 1941. It is not certain whether these submarines were operating out of the
usual French West Coast bases, or from newly established bases in the
Mediterranean.
In the light of available
information, it appears practically certain that all Rumanian and Bulgarian
Black Sea ports are being prepared by the Germans for use as bases for
offensive operations. The naval forces at Axis disposal in this sea are still
very inferior to the Russian Black Sea Fleet. Axis Black Sea naval operations
on any extensive scale are not to be expected until such time as the Red Black
Sea Fleet either will have been destroyed or otherwise neutralized.
It is reported that Axis
Black Sea forces have been reenforced by five small submarines brought down the
Danube. A sixth small U-boat is to follow.
A shortage in available Axis
Black Sea shipping may be indicated by the recent sinking of a 1200-ton
Hungarian river motor vessel. This ship was reported to have been carrying
munitions for Axis land forces and was sunk by a mine in the Black Sea.
H.M.S. DEVONSHIRE (CA)
encountered and sank a converted German commerce raider on November 22 in the
South Atlantic. The Axis raider, believed to have been the TAMESIS, was blown
up by a magazine explosion thirteen minutes following the commencement of the
engagement.
According to belated
evidence, it is not [sic] fairly certain that the German 6,000-ton light
cruiser KOELN was engaged in operation leading up the capture of the Baltic
(Oesel) Islands six weeks or so ago.
Personalities
Lt. Reschke and Lt.
Guggenberger were in command of the two German submarines credited with the
sinking of the ARK ROYAL. Reschke entered the Navy in 1929 and Guggenberger in
1934. Neither officer had been previously mentioned in connection with
submarine operations.
[14]
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Captain Bernhard Rogge was
in command of the raider reported sunk by H.M.S. DEVONSHIRE. Captain Rogge
entered the Navy in 1915 and was advanced to his present rank in 1940. He has
been awarded the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross.
3. Air
Strength and Disposition
According to a recent
reliable report, the disposition of the German Air Force in Russia is as
follows:
Leningrad |
Moscow |
South of Kharkov-Kiev |
Finland & North Norway |
|
Long range bombers |
90 |
200 |
240 |
40 |
Bomber reconnaissance |
30 |
30 |
45 |
10 |
Dive bombers |
0 |
90 |
60-75 |
30 |
Single-engine fighters |
30 |
180 |
130 |
30 |
Two-engine fighters |
30 |
35 |
0 |
10 |
Totals |
180 |
535 |
475-490 |
120 |
Grand Total - |
1310-1325 |
A previous report from the same source estimated that, as of October 1, 1941, the Germans had almost exactly twice the number of planes on the Russian front. This reduction in air strength may be due to some, or all, of the following factors: (a) reported withdrawal of some 560 bombers and 150 single-engine fighters from the Russian front to Central Germany for refitting; (b) losses; (c) shift of air strength to the Mediterranean, which has recently been reported from several sources.
In the Mediterranean, prior
to the beginning of the recent British offensive in Cyrenaica, German Air Force
distribution was reliably reported as follows:
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|
Bombers |
Dive
Bombers |
Fighters |
Reconnaissance |
Coastal
Aircraft |
Cyrenaica |
30 |
70 |
75 |
5 |
- |
S.
Greece |
60 |
- |
- |
20 |
25 |
Crete |
- |
20 |
10 |
- |
|
Sicily |
10 |
- |
|
- |
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total - 325
This represented a slight
decrease in German air strength in the Mediterranean from the last previously
reported figures.
Operations
West - Reconnaissance continues
to be the chief German aerial activity in this theater, operations being
carried out over the British Isles and over the sea approaches. A small number
of bombers were regularly in action, and activity of mine-laying planes was
reported occasionally.
Russian Front - According to German
claims, the German Air Force has been very active on the Eastern Front.
Leningrad and Moscow were bombed regularly during the past two weeks. The
northern part of the city of Leningrad is now in ruins, the Germans report.
German bombers also are said to have paid particular attention to railroad
communications; namely, the yards near Moscow and the Murmansk railroad at and
north of Vologda.
The Luftwaffe also claims
many successes in pounding the Russians in the Crimea at Sevastopol and at
Kerch.
Up to November 1, German
sources claim that 83,000,000 pounds of supplies in 30,000 flights had been
carried to the front by German air transport.
On November 21, the Germans
claimed further that, to that date, 15,877 Russian planes had been destroyed.
[16]
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Mediterranean - German activity in this
theater has been limited largely to defensive operations. It has been reported
that German air units in Libya have recently vainly requested reenforcements of
troop-carrying planes.
Personalities - During the last
fortnight, the German Air Force has lost its greatest technical expert and its
leading ace. Col. Gen. Udet was killed while testing a new secret weapon. Lt.
Col. Moelders was killed when a transport plane in which he was a passenger
crashed near Breslau on November 22. Moelders was returning to the front after
attending Udet's funeral.
[17]
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F. The Italian Military,
Naval and Air Situations
1. Military
Libya
At dawn Tuesday, November
18, the British launched their long-awaited offensive against the Italian and
German forces in the Libyan Desert. The British have been preparing for this
drive for many months, and a steady stream of materiel has been flowing to the
Middle East. For the first time British forces are meeting the Germans with
ample equipment and air superiority.
The main spearhead of the
attack began south of Sidi Omar, fifteen miles from the coast of Sollum, and
branched northward to Bir el Gobi and Sidi el Rezegh. At Bir el Gobi, the
Italian 132nd Ariete Armored Division apparently was badly mauled by the
British. At El Rezegh, Imperial forces captured the airfield, including planes
and personnel. Further south an Imperial Motorized Force, starting from
Giarabub, raced across the desert to Gialo Oasis and captured the Italian
outpost of El Augila.
Since the initial thrust a
tank battle, between German and British armored forces, ensued at El Rezegh
where both sides lost heavily in mechanized equipment. To date the fighting is
still fluid, and no decision has been reached. However, the British are now in
possession of Rezegh; Gambut and Side Omar Nuovo (the main supply bases of the
German armored forces) have been captured, and the Tobruk garrison has made a
juncture with the main Imperial forces at Ed Duda.
East Africa
Gondar, the last stronghold
of the Italians in Ethiopia, is expected to capitulate within the next few
weeks. The beleaguered Italian forces are entrenched on a mountain top north of
Lake Tana where they have been cut off from supplies for the past seven months.
British forces are closing in now and are only seven miles from Gondar.
(Note: Since the preparation
of this report, the fall of Gondar has been announced.)
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Russian Front
Italian ground lines of
communication are being obstructed on the Russian Front and air transport is
being used to supply the troops. Italian difficulties are due to mined and
mired roads, lack of transportation facilities and the refusal of the Germans
to repair the railroads in that sector. As a result, Italian forces in the
Stalino area have been directed to exploit whatever local resources are
available.
2. Naval
The Italian Navy is
demonstrating its inability to protect convoys to Africa. In the attack on an
Italian convoy November 8 by the British, the two Italian 8-inch gun cruisers
stayed beyond range of the British 6-inch gun cruisers during the entire
action. Seven of the ten ships sunk in this convoy contained German troops.
Again on November 21/22 a British submarine attacked another Italian convoy
escorted by three cruisers and three destroyers in the Straits of Messina. One
cruiser and a destroyer were hit. On the night of November 22 the convoy was
again attacked by British aircraft off Cape Spartivento in which hits were
claimed on another cruiser and several merchant ships.
German submarines are basing
now in the Mediterranean. Reports indicate that the principal German submarine
base in the Mediterranean is located at Capri. Permits to visit Capri are
almost unobtainable, even for persons of Italian nationality. A German
submarine base also is being established on the West Coast of Sardinia which
will accommodate seven submarines.
3. Air
On November 15 a serious
shake-up occurred in the Italian Air Force when General Rino Corso Fougier
succeeded General Francisco Pricolo as Under-Secretary for Air. First reports
of the ousting of General Pricolo indicated that he had failed to protect
Italian cities from British air attacks because his interest lay in bomber and
torpedo planes. It was believed that General Fougier, who is a specialist in
pursuit aviation, would relegate bombers to second place in favor of the
manufacture and use of pursuit planes. However, subsequent reports state that
the Germans have taken over complete control and command of the Italian Air
Force because of
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the sinking of the big
convoy on November 8 when many German soldiers were drowned. Mussolini was said
to have acquiesced to the German demand and, rather than submit, General
Pricolo resigned.
General Fougier is only a
figure-head, and it is reported that he is not respected by the Air Force. He
was a protege and satellite of the late General Balbo and commanded the 3rd
Italian Air Fleet.
(FROM: EXHIBITS OF
THE JOINT COMMITTEE, PHA, PT. 15, EXHIBIT NO. 80 PP. 1774-1836 )
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