POUNDING OF KISKA

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 14, 12 October 1942, Page 5

POUNDING OF KISKA

Many Japanese Seaplanes

Shot Down

(Received October 11, 7.5 p.m.)

NEW YORK. October 10.

The bleak, remote Japanese base at Kiska is feeling the increased weight of American air attacks agaiiwt which the Japanese are apparently unable to offer an effective defence, says the Washington correspondent of the “New York Times.” 'There are indications that the threat arising from the Japanese occupancy of Kiska lias been turned instead into a Japanese effort merely to survive tile winter, weather which will soon sweep the island.

The Japanese in Kiska possess only seaplanes for air defence, many of which were shot down by bombers. Informed quarters in Washington are not attempting to minimize the potential effective strength of the Japanese in Kiska, which is estimated at 10,000, if the Japanese Navy sends sufficient air and naval power to the Aleutians. However, tins possibility appears remote.

American Liberator bombers have dropped many tons of bombs on the Kiska area. Shipping in the harbour was among the targets attacked. One cargo ship was left on tire, and sinking, and another was damaged. The radio station was strafed, and two seaplanes were destroyed or battered.