CONFIDENT VIEW

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 284, 29 August 1942, Page 8

CONFIDENT VIEW

Milne Bay Threat Will Be

Dealt With

(By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Special Australian Correspondent.)

(Received August 29, 1.10 a.m.) SYDNEY, August 28.

‘‘The landing at Milne Bay is a surprising demonstration of Japanese strength. It shows that even if the Solomons battle succeeds the battle for the south-west Pacific is not won and Australia and New Zealand are not freed from the risk of invasion. The Japanese will have outflanked our Solomons positions before we have finished mopping up if Milne Bay is consolidated by them in defiance of the increasing Allied air power in this theatre.” This comment, made by the New. York "Evening Post’s” military writer, indicates a growing realization that the operations in the Solomons and the eastern New Guinea areas are not'distinct engagements, but are both part of a major battle for the South Pacific. Though the second phase of the battle for the South Pacific has ended in victory for the Allies, it is considered that a 'third phase is to come. American observers believe that the Allied Fleet is now massing to the north of the Solomons, in the hopeful anticipation of .i showdown with the main Japanese Battle Fleet. The outcome of such a battle is confidently awaited.

All indications suggest that the Allies are anxious to expand the present guerrilla fighting into a full-scale naval action. However, with the Japanese in desperate need of a success to level the score, some American observers, including Mr. Hanson Baldwin, feel that the enemy may be tempted to launch another thrust against Pearl Harbour and Midway Island. Such an attack would be a major counter-blow on the Milne. Bay principle, designed to distract and divert Allied offensive forces from the task of rolling back the Japanese. ’

But, while the news of the land fighting at Milne Bay does not offer a complete picture, commentators feel that unless it can be strongly supported by the enemy the Allied forces in New Guinea aro powerful enough to deal with this new threat. It is pointed out that every effort of the Japanese to press inland from their northern New ,Guinea bases at Lae and Salamaua has been blocked by the' Allied 7 patrols. In these sectors, as well as at Kokoda, the Japanese seldom venture abroad in parties of fewer than 50, but they have been continually repulsed.