FROM RUSSIA TO THE PACIFIC
THERE could be no greater contrast thanbetween the war in Russia and the war in the Far East. The former may be no less -decisive- than the latter, but it is proceeding under winter ConditionS slowly, massively, with pressure applied con- stantly, though with occasional swift assaults which put large enemy forces at a disadvantage. It was one of such move- ments which placed nearly roo,000 Germans in a dangerous position at Staraya Russa, but the Russians have been exploiting the advantage gained by steady, weighty advances which have isolated the enemy force and compelled it to face siege conditions. In that region, and near Leningrad, and on the central and southern fronts the Russians are keeping up a pressure which is chiefly fruitful because it compels the enemy to throw in his treasured reserves ; but nowhere does the German line show signs of cracking. Both sides are concerned about holding a favourable position against the time of the expected German Spring offensive. In the Far East all the conditions are different. The enemy main offensive is at its height now. Quick, sharp, unhesitating blows everywhere mark Japan's tactics, which aim at securing all the vital centres of resistance before Allied re- inforcements can arrive. In Java, under Dutch command, the Allies are courageously endeavouring to meet offensive with offensive, though they can scarcely hope to prevent fresh land- ings from the sea, and need more air support. In Burma the British forces have gained a brief respite owing to the rough handling they gave the enemy before falling back on to the Sittang line, but they expect the attack to be renewed at any moment. In Libya our Army appears to be leaving the next real move to Rommel, though the Air Force is active. In the Philippines the American army continues to endure siege with a vigorous resistance based on local offensives—the last of them a notably successful air-attack on enemy shipping.
