STOP PRESS

Evening Star, Issue 24332, 22 October 1942, Page 8

STOP PRESS

SOLOMONS OPERATIONS. SYDNEY. October 22. The difficulties confronting American naval strategists in the Solomons are stressed by Admiral Stirling, former Chief of Staff of the United States fleet, who says Japan enjoys the great advantage of being able to bring any number of warships into action in the comparatively -small area of these islands without jeopardising operations elsewhere. United States warships in the Solomons must operate cautiously to avoid exposure against a far superior Japanese fleet, yet remain in close enough support of the land defenders to prevent enemy naval bombardment of the Henderson airfield and to cripple as many Japanese ships as possible before the main surface action begins. Admiral Strling warns that Japanese strategy may bo to use the Solomons as a feint to draw away A me* rican warships from Hawaii and throw in a huge invasion force against Midway, ultimately using Midway as a base for an attempt to capture Hawaii. He adds that it is too early to forecast the results of the battle'for Guadalcanal. The relative air strengths are still undetermined, and there are too many other unknown quantities. STALINGRAD BATTLE. LONDON, October 21.—There is no sign of any slackening of the German assault against Stalingrad. Despite the heavy losses of the past few days, the Gormans are pouring in reinforcements and maintaining heavy pressure. Incessant rain continues to hamper air activity, hut the tempo of the land battles is as fierce as ever. The rain re- ’* suited m ihe grounding of the majority of the Luftwaffe.on mudswamped aerodromes, and the Germans, without their tremendous air umbrella, are compelled to meet the (Russian Guards on equal terms, [WOMEN GRIEVOUSLY INJURED* Thro women, Airs A. B. Campbell, a widow, and Airs Colin Campbell, her daughter-in-law, are in a precarious condition in Napier Hospital as the result of an alleged assault bn them last evening. It is stated that they were attacked early in the evening and most grievously injured, little hope being entertained of their recovery. At the police court to-day David John Campbell (aged 20) a timber worker, was charged with attempting to murder Alavis Esther Campbell and Airs Colin Campbell. The police asked for and were granted a remand for a week, during which the mentality of life accused would be inquired into.—Napier P.A.