FIRST ROUND WON

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 20874, 28 August 1942, Page 3

FIRST ROUND WON

ALLIED SEA FORCES ACTION OFF SOLOMONS JAPANESE COUNTER-BID The Press Association correspondent at a south Pacific poiat says that the Japanese appear to have lost' the first round of their counteroffensive against the south-eastern Solomons in extraordinarily quick time. Unless action has since developed afresh, their approach to Guadalcanar Island does not appear to have been pressed with anything like the determination which characterised .the United States Marines’ and Allied naval forces’ assault on the islands almost three weeks ago. It would even seem that the Japanese failed to disembark any of their forces. However, it would no.t be taken that the reported withdrawal betokens a decision to relinquish the enterprise. A further assault seems inevitable. The Japanese wounds in this week’s affray, severe and annoying although they will be .to the enemy, will probably -do no more than touch the main strength of the Japanese naval force which can be brought to bear if Japan decides to pledge it. The losses suffered in the Coral Sea, off Midway Island and in the two Solomon Islands actions have not ye.t been sufficient to justify wishful thinking that Japanese naval power is no longer .to be feared. ViceAdmiral R. Ghormley’s fresh success shows .that miracles of preparation against the counter-offensive have been achieved in the extremely short time he has had at his command since the islands were captured. More Time Won The general position now seems to be that Vice-Admiral Ghormley and his Marine Corps forces ashore on die islands have won more time in which to prepare the offensive and defensive capabilities of the islands, provided the possible losses in ships, personnel, aircraft and general equipment can be replaced and added to quickly. The outlook is a.t present even more encouraging than it was after the original capture of .the islands. This does not mean that it is less fateful to the Allies in the southern areas of the Pacific. A further assault must be expected. It will probably be made in greater force than this one. Although pressed back, the Japanese still possess terrific strength and have gained valuable knowledge. The period of suspense has not been ended by the latest engagement.' The correspondent also says that the countries whose fate is being, decided in the Solomons should also recognise that so far their champions have been preponderantly American. The landing forces have been completely American and the naval forces Allied in composition .to only a minor degree. He says that as a result'o. the United States commitments in uther theatres of war, the time must come when other countries in the Pacific theatre must .take their part in the offensive plans. The Allied countries must, .therefore, be prepared for further calls upon manpower if the south-eastern Solomons are finally held by the Americans and developed into offensive utility. Future offensive stages must be undertaken by the troops best trained for the difficult and hazardous tasks ahead. This will mean that other troops must be used, at least for occupational purposes. Meantime, the fight for the Solomons has by no means ended. Weeks may still elapse before the issue is placed be,yond doubt.