“COCKPIT OF PACIFIC”

Evening Star, Issue 24328, 17 October 1942, Page 5

“COCKPIT OF PACIFIC”

VITAL SOLOMONS AREA AUSTRALIAN-BASED PLANES IN ACTION (N.Z.P.A. Special Aust. Correspondent) SYDNEY, October 16. Evidence that the air forces under General MacArthur’s command __ are playing their part in the present bolomens fighting is contained in to-day’s communique) which states that at ‘Bougainville a Flying Fortress dropped a 5001 b bomb on an enemy cruiser from a low altitude. The vessel was evidently seriously damaged, and stopped dead. The Fortress flew through heavy anti-aircraft fire to strafe the decks. Japan’s shortage of cruisers is her greatest naval weakness, says the ‘ Sydney Morning Herald’s 1 military correspondent. This is the sixteenth cruiser so far reported damaged. At the outbreak Japan was believed Ho have had 44 cruisers. It is probable, however, that there has been _ some duplication in the claims relating to damaged cruisers. Lack of adequate cruiser protection for the bigger and more powerful units may be an important factor in the present naval battle. , 11 The Solomons have become the cockpit of the Pacific,” says the ‘ Sydney Sun,’ “ gradually drawing greater and greater forces until the clash will become one of first-rate magnitude.” The ability of one side or the other to reinforce its strength may be of vital importance in the_ present battle. In this regard the proximity of Rabaul and the great Japanese naval and air base at Truk gives the enemy an advantage which cannot be overlooked. The announcement of the establishment of new American South Pacific bases, particularly in the New Hebrides (600 miles south-west of the Solomons), indicates the reinforcements contingency has been anticipated by the Allied Command.

Since laud-based air power is of the greatest importance in naval operations it is possible that possession of the Henderson airfield will determine the outcome of the entire struggle._ The continued Japanese bombing raids on this field, which are still being reported, are designed to neutralise the American air strength which wrought such havoc among the enemy naval units. The Associated Press of America says this airfield must be the first objective of the Japanese drive, which is described as having “ grim significance.” Mr H. V. Kelatenborn, the American news analyst, says it is clear that American forces are engaged in a major combat, but “ we can take it for granted that we have Sufficient sea, land, and air forces there to make it a real battle.” He believes that the American naval strength in the area ;s equal to the Japanese. Predictions concerning the outcome of the fighting are generally avoided, because of paucity of information, but another well-known American broadcast commentator, Mr Gabriel Heattor. claims that the battle for Gnidalcanal will prove the great turning point of the Pacific war. “Guadalcanal may yet prove a suicide island for the Japanese, and I think I can promise you it «§y- kt iiglased.