NEWS OF THE WEEK
AT last winter is beginning to take charge in Russia, and under its onslaught and the influence of events elsewhere Germany will soon pass from the offensive to the defensive. Though there has been little official news about the campaign in the north, the Russians appear to have had more success than had been realised, to judge by the German News Agency's statement that Soviet troops hold the citadel of Schliisselburg—a key position for the German army east of Leningrad. In Stalingrad the fighting has dwindled into local actions, in which on the whole the Russians have had the best of it. Only in the Caucasus are the Germans still pressing the offensive heavily, but by means of spirited counter- attacks they are being held both north-east of Tuapse in the west, and in the Nalchik region in the central Caucasus. But winter is not the only ally which will soon lessen the pressure upon the Soviet armies. The Axis have now a long southern flank menaced by Anglo-American forces, and Germany must prepare against attacks which might be directed on France, or Italy, or Greece, as well as upon occupied territory near to England ; and in view of the necessity of being able to reinforce any threatened point quickly it is doubtful if she will dare to tie up too many troops in Russia or too much transport for use on her spun-out lines of communication there. Indeed, the need for transport elsewhere, apart from other considerations, may compel the Germans to shorten their lines in Russia. The more active second front of which M. Stalin has been speaking has come, and should very quickly affect the situation in the East. It is known that the- Germans are ex- pecting a Russian winter offensive in the centre or the north. It is certain that they will have no restful winter, there or elsewhere.
