YENAN OBSERVER ON STALIN'S TALK

8 October 1942

[Text] HSIN-HUA NEWS AGENCY, Yenan, 8 October--Commenting on Stalin's talk
with American correspondents on 4 October, the Yenan observer said:

"This talk of Stalin's is of tremendous significance. Not only will it enhance confidence in victory in the minds of all people in the allied countries, but it will also greatly benefit the unity of the allied countries
and the great task of winning the war over fascism."

Concerning the second front, the observer said:

"The opening of a real second front is tantamount to a death sentence for
Hitler. This is an inescapable duty of the allied countries and a priority
duty more important than material aid to the Soviet Union. As far as timing
is concerned, this is the most opportune moment to open the second front.
If this moment is missed, it will be a great strategic blunder on the part
of the allied countries. The timely opening of a second front by the allied
countries is the key to victory."

The observer dismissed the rumors spread by German and Japanese news agencies
following Stalin's talk as their habitual tricks and not worth commenting
on. The unity of the allied countries will be further strengthened because
of the defense of Stalingrad and Stalin's talk. The days of fascist arrogance
are gone forever. For the aggressors, their demise is only a matter of time,
the observer said.

CHIEH-FANG JIH-PAO, 9 October 1942