ermany's Western -e ront
In the discussions regarding the prospects of opening a western rat against Germany it has too seldom been stressed that such ront already exists and that it engages large numbers of Germany's ,t fighting men. It has been officially estimated that between coPco and 2,000,000 German soldiers, airmen and full-time civil ence workers are pegged down to counter British attacks in the or raids on -the coast. Large numbers of men are absorbed in service of searchlights, anti-aircraft guns and observer corps on d, and in mine-sweeping and flak ships at sea ; and in addition reased numbers of divisional troops to meet the hazards of tish raids which may occur at any point, not to mention large- 'e invasion. lacked, there are many signs that it is now the mans who,awkopt.guessing about invasion projects—in France, or Belgium, or Holland, or Norway. They are worried about the formidable air-sweeps over Northern France and the heavy bombard- ments of Western Germany. It is reported that they have been clearing all farmhouses and isolated buildings in the Sambre and Meuse districts of Belgium, tightening up their precautions in Normandy, and enlarging the military defence areas in Norway, where Field-Marshal List has recently arrived. He is reported to be conducting manoeuvres in the mountains near the Swedish border, which indicate that he is organising defences in depth against possible British attacks. The enemy are certainly concerned about the possibility of a British landing, and know that from our central position an attack might be launched against any point from mid- Norway to Brittany. To man this vast front they are obliged to keep huge forces pinned down—at the expense of the eastern front,
