The Dominion THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 1942. VITAL LINES OF COMMUNICATION

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 282, 27 August 1942, Page 4

The Dominion THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 1942. VITAL LINES OF COMMUNICATION

It has been apparent from the commencement of hostilities, in the Pacific that success must go finally to those able to command the sea. There arc no large land areas capable of supporting a' modern army anywhere in the vast expanse around the edges of which lie the combatant countries. Unlike' the position in Europe no two hostile Pacific countries are contiguous, and the position is clearly shown by the struggle that is proceeding in the Solomons. The opposing forces had to be taken there. And wherever the battle is joined, in the Pacific the forces will have to be transported there, 'and supplied from overseas bases. The lines of sea communication are thus absolutely vital, and the side that most effectively maintains them will enjoy immense advantages. It is that fact that lends special importance-to the latest naval battle reported in the neighbourhood of the Solomons. The clash had to come, otherwise the effort of the Japanese to hold any outpost there was doomed to failure. They have seized whole groups of islands, as well as individual ones of strategic importance, and their ability to hold any or all of them is dependent upon exactly the same factors as are to be found in the Solomons, and the chief is the strength to reinforce and' supply the landing forces. If Japan is to have the slightest hope of success she must be able to maintain and strengthen her hold on the possessions she has seized. They represent the successful offensive stage of the struggle, and their loss would indicate the commencement of a restricted and defensive phase. It seems evident from the particulars available at time of writing that the Japanese have attempted a movement in force to regain the lost ground in the Solomons. The initial stage—the attack from the air—proved costly, and. it is very significant in this respect that in the last week or two the Allied air forces have been taking much heavier toll of Japanese aircraft. The interception tactics worked out have been effective and a technique has been developed for dealing with aircraft said to be able to use a much higher ceiling than can the Allied craft at present available in the South Pacific. The mention of damage to two Japanese aircraft-carriers in today’s news is of more than usual interest, because already the enemy has lost heavily in this arm of its naval service. It has been stated by recognized authorities that Japan’s weakness as a naval Power lies in cruisers and aircraft-carriers, and she is reported to have.suffered in both categories in this and earlier engagements.. Evidently the Japanese sent a task force of considerable strength in an. endeavour to restore the position not only in the Solomon Islands but in the matter of command of those seas. They have been compelled to do what they have been trying to induce their enemies to do, namely, spread out their forces. From the Solomons to the Aleutians is a long naval front for the enemy to attempt to hold.