THE PACIFIC ENIGMA

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 6, Issue 66, 20 April 1943, Page 4

THE PACIFIC ENIGMA

WARNINGS persistent and clear from the Prime Minister of Australia and that prince of strategists, General MacArthur, serve as timely reminders that the Japanese threat to the South Pacific lands, is not merely ominously an eve** present one but that it is likely to develop into a fiist-clat.s offensive at any moment. Across the top of the Australian continent the Japanese have built an arc of air bases frorr-» each of which at a given signal could f-an out a protective air armada to cover an invasion fleet the size: of which would dwarf all attempts made by our foemen hitherto., In the light of events, it becomes a serious duty for all New Zealanders to appreciate the potency of the Japanese threat. It is well over nine months since the forces of Nippon engaged in any major land fighting (China excepted). In the string of islands off Northern Australia we: learn that Japan has at her disposal nearly 300,000 men, mustered at vital spots, trained incessantly in jungle warfare and fanatical in their devotion to the service of the deified Mikado. There can be no possible shadow of doubt but that this force"is massed together for but one objective, the invasion of landk of the South Pacific upon a scale as yet not hitherto attempted. Tojo has profitted by. his previous under-estimation of the Allied fighting strength, and it can be safely surmised that be will not willingly become the victim of the same face-sacrificing mistake again. Th« lull in the Jap. war betokens one thing and contemplation of the position as it stands to-day makes for very serious reflection. The Japanese High Command cannot afford to own defeat under any circumstances, and will therefore makS every effort to wring victory from the vexing and costly campaign against Australia. Events in Europe ar» also hastening towards a climax and demand more £han. inactivity from Japan, by way of a diversionary front, Signs throughout the Dutch Indies, Timor, New Guinea and the outlying islands in the: enemies hands, are ominous at the present time and the peoples of the Empire in Australia and New Zealand would be well advised to maintain their war effort, and their 'action' complex to the /ighest de(. gree, so that they may not be found wanting should! the threat from Japan ever develop into an active invasion attempt on these shores.