FALSE OPTIMISM

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 123, 27 May 1942, Page 7

FALSE OPTIMISM

JAP. AIR STRENGTH

British Correspondent Angers

Australia

Special Australian Correspondent. United l'ress Association.—Copyright

SYDNEY, May 2fi. "An unreliable rendering which is a Rinve disservice to the Allied cause in the South-west Pacific," is the perioral comment on the appreciation of the situation cabled to the Daily Mail, London, by its Australian correspondent. Noel Monks. Mr. Monks states that "Japan is beginning to feel the pinch of aircraft shortage, particularly bombers." Mr. Monks states his information is from "a reliable source." With a five-day cessation of Japanese air attacks on Port Moresby and a return to routine Allied bombing operations after the high excitement of the Coral Sea Battle, responsible Australian observers ai e concerned that no encouragement shall be given to false optimism. "The lull on the battle' fronts should occasion no optimistic wave such as has just run its course in the United States," says one commentator. "We remember the phoney war in lOri'J, while the enemy prepared his blitz and the French yawned behind; the Maginot Line. We remember.! too, what happened in May, 10 !'). | •Japan's full strength has not. been i measured against us. What she is ■ preparing behind the screen of herj conquered islands is likely to be a thrust much more powerful than that recently made in the Coral Sea." i

Japs. Fortify Island Bases During the weeks that followed her occupation of the Indian Ocean and the South-west Pacific- islands, Japan is known to have fortified several bases and to have extended aerodrome and harbour facilities at ; Rabaul, Koepang, Amboina. Queen Carola Harbour and Huka Passage. 1 strongholds protecting the enemy's main line of approach to Australia. Aerodromes also have been built on smaller islands closer to the northern Australian territory. for almost three months at least three Japanese aircraft tenders are known to have been ferrying air strength from home ports to these southward bases. Around Rabaul alone there have been stationed at least 80 heavy bombers, with adequate fighter support. The collapse of resistance in the Philippines has enabled the release of many enemy ; air squadrons, principally heavy bom Tiers. A strong proportion of this force ha-; undoubtedly come to the South Pacific. "Japan's position is very strong." says tiie Daily Telegraph in an editorial article. "She holds her hand for the moment only because her preparations are incomplete. Japan's military strength is almost as great as it was last December, her battle fleet is intact and her air power still formidable. She has acquired raw materials to fight a long war." Concern in Australia Mr. Monks assesses Japanese aircraft production at below 600 planes a month, and other observers place the figure as high as 1200 a month, although the raid by United States bombers last month undoubtedly impaired production. It is generally believed here that enemy air replacement power is at least 75 per cent of losses. Estimating the Japanese first-line air strength at the beginning of the war at a conservative figures of 5000 planes, she still has substantial reserves from which to draw. While agreeing with Mr. Monks' assessment that Australia-based aircraft have inflicted losses in the ratio of three to one on the enemy, all commentators here continue to urge the necessity of the rapid building up of Allied air strength. "We need three things," says a military commentator. "F ; "st. heavy reinforcements of bomb . fighters and tanks. Second, navai •einforcements. Third, a replanned Pacific Command, giving General Mac Arthur effective co-ordinated control of the land, sea and air forces." Concern is also expressed at the whereabouts of the Japanese Fleet. Prominence is given to an American opinion that the Japanese Navy has now been divided into two fleetsone guarding home waters and the other in the South-west Pacific, between the Marshalls and New Guinea, where it is thought to be forming for an attack on Australia or on the United States-Australia supply line.