THE SOLOMONS BATTLE

Evening Star, Issue 24328, 17 October 1942, Page 4

THE SOLOMONS BATTLE

At tho moment a vital battle is proceeding for the possession of the Solomons, in which naval and land forces are heavily engaged. A few days ago Admiral Nimitz expressed the utmost confidence that the United States forces in those islands would consolidate their holdings and continue the Pacific offensive begun there. It is sincerely to be hoped that this confidence will bo borne out in the result of the struggle now raging. Control of the Solomons is of the utmost importance to both sides. If the Japanese succeeded in driving the Americans from Guadalcanal the eastern coast of Australia and the Allied supply route to that country and New Zealand would be open to a flanking attack. On the other side, it has been stressed that unless the Japanese hold the airfields and liarbours of tho island chain from Asia across the South-west Pacific they will not -be able to keep their conquests. Therefore, the enemy is concentrating on the Guadalcanal airfield in a determined attempt to recapture it. There is no doubt that notwithstanding the efforts of the American naval and air forces, and in the face of heavy losses, the Japanese have landed considerable reinforcements. Into the picture, too, come Port Moresby, in Papua, and llabaul, in New' Britain, for they arc strategicpoints of the utmost importance in the present developments. No indication has yet been given of the fortunes of tho two sides in this great sea battle. As wc have seen, the Japanese are formidable foes What we must hope for is that the American forces are sufficient in numbers, equipment and striking power • generally to give them victory.