ENEMY STRATEGY

Evening Star, Issue 24284, 27 August 1942, Page 5

ENEMY STRATEGY

PRESSURE ON PORT MORESBY FORECAST SPREAD OF ACTION LIKELY (N.Z.P.A. Special Aust. Correspondent) SYDNEY, August 26. Australia echoes the American confidence that the battle in progress in the Solomons will result in another Pacific victory for the United Nations. This action has been expected since the beginning of the Allied offensive in the area three weeks ago, and observers hero are gratified that Japan has been forced into a naval ■ show-down, with the control of the South Pacific as the prize. It is emphasised, however, that against such a strong and resolute enemy, victory cannot be won without losses. Defeat is not talked of, but it is realised that the consequences of such an outcome might bo disastrous. The heavy air blows struck against the enemy bases at Rabaul and Gasmata by aircraft of the South-west Pacific Command indicate that General MacArthur’s forces are co-operating m the present action by disrupting the passage of Japanese supplies, particularly air reinforcements.

The presence of an enemy convoy with warships and transports off the south-east tip of New Guinea leads to the conclusion that the enemy has planned intensified ac.tivity in this sector as a supplementary diversion to his Solomons counter-offensive. The fact - that Japanese fighters, which were fortunately destroyed, were ready to operate from an aerodrome in the Buna area supports this belief. The present action appears likely to spread beyond the Solomon Islands waters and Australian sectors before the battle for the South Pacific is decided'. Heavier enemy pressure on Port Moresby is foreseen. The battleships used in the Solomons action, it is suggested, may have come from a large force which is probably based at Truk, in the Caroline Islands, 1,200 miles distant. Truk, the mam enemy naval base in the Central Pacific, has been the gathering place for most of Japan’s forces for major southward moves. Satisfaction is expressed that the Japanese are being hit hard m their most valuable and vulnerable type of warships—aircraft carriers. Of the 11 carriers in commission, at the outbreak of the Pacific war, six have been sunk, while the latest Washington communique brings the total reported damaged to four. JAPANESE PROPAGANDA GRIM THREATS TO AUSTRALIA (Rec. 1.45 p.m.) CANBERRA, Aug. 27. The Japanese radio in recent weeks has intensified its barrage of lies about the war, particularly in relation to air operations, says the Minister of Air (Mr Drakeford). The Tokio mcho, broadcasting in several languages, had reported devastating havoc wrought by Japanese raids on Townsville when not a vestige of damage was actually done. A recent broadcast in Dutch from Tokio claimed that Allied air resistance had been smashed, quoting as authority the ‘ Sydney Times,’ a mythical newspaper. Japanese broadcasts to Australia still consist of a series of cordial invitations to join their new order—followed by grim threats that Australia would be destroyed if she did not break off relations with the United States and England. Statements by Australian parliamentarians were being broadcast and twisted out of all recognition, DIPLOMATIC EXCHANGE PLAN AMERICANS AND CANADIANS BACK FROM EAST NEW YORK, August 25. The diplomatic exchange snip Gripsholm arrived from Japan, bringing 1,451 Americans and Canadians, including the Ambassador in Japan (Mr Joseph C. Grew), the Minister in Thailand (Mr L. Peck), foreign correspondents, missionaries, and men. A thorough examination by officials of the State and Justice Departments, tiie army and navy intelligence, and the Customs will be made before the passengers are permitted to leave the ship. VICTIMS OF BOMBING MOTHER AND EIGHT CHILDREN (Rec. 12.20 p.m.) LONDON, Aug. 26. A woman and her eight children were killed when an Anderson shelter received a direct hit in last night’s raid on an East Anglian town. Her husband. who was standing outside the shelter, was seriously injured. The Berlin radio says the Luftwaffe last night bombed Ipswich and Great Yarmouth, causing fires. MIGHTY BATTLESHIP LAUNCHED IN U.S.A. NEW YORK. August 26. The mightiest battleship ever built, the 45,000-ton lowa, will be launched ahead of schedule. Five similar vessels are under construction. Although the Navy Department has not revealed the lowa’s specifications, ‘ Jane’s Fighting Ships,’ says the lowa doss of ships will cany nine 16m guns and 20 5m guns. The speed is officially reported to be 35 knots.