ON ALL FRONTS
THE focal point of the war throughout this week has been at Singapore, where the defending garrison has been putting up a dogged but disheartening defence against overwhelming odds— disheartening because the air support has been in the hands of so small a force. The preliminary bombardment of the island was comparable with that which heralded an offensive in the last war, and was followed by an attack over the north-western end of the straits and the mangrove swamps, the outnumbered defence having ultimately to give way. The Japanese estimate the British effectives on the island at no more than 20,000 men, but that seems likely to be an under-estimate. The enemy gradually forced their way towards the centre of the island, were thrust back locally in counter-attacks, and so the matter stood at the moment of going to press. It may be doubted if anything but timely reinforcement on the ground and in the air can restore the situation. In Burma the outlook is more reassuring, and more Chinese troops are on their way, but the Japanese have crossed the Salween river at Martaban. Outside the Pacific zone the pace of the fighting everywhere has slowed down. That there should be some lull on the Russian front is less surpris- ing than that the Russians should have maintained a vigorous offensive so long amid the intense cold of winter. During the last week the conditions have resembled those of the old trench warfare, though the Russians have been maintaining pressure and making local advances, particularly near Schliisselburg, east of Leningrad, and round Kharkof, but the pivotal point of Rzhev Is still in German hands, and the supply centre of Vyasma is not et closely threatened. But the fighting that has continued has been using up German forces, and probably compelling them to draw upon some of the reserves intended for the spring offensive. In Libya, too, with less apparent reason, there has been a cessation of the major engagement. There is no doubt that reinforcements and supplies (some through Tunisia, and with Vichy connivance) have been pouring in to Rommel, but he h s not yet felt himself able to launch an offensive on the now strengthened positions held by the British.
