REPLACEMENT OF GHORMLEY

Marlborough Express, Volume LXXVI, Issue 253, 27 October 1942, Page 5

REPLACEMENT OF GHORMLEY

ADMISSION OF ERRORS.

P.A. Cable.

NEW YORK, Oct. 25.'"'

Vice-Admiral Halsey's replace— ment of Admiral Ghormley, as comrnander of the South Pacific area is clear admission of costly, inexcusable errors made in the prosecution of the war," points out the New York Daily Mirror, in an editorial. "The Japanese out-smarted, out-man oeuvred, and out-gunned our naval forces, notably by the sinkings of the Canberra, Quincy, Vincennes, and Astoria in a sudden, audaeious attack. Apparently the end of these great ships was without glory for the Navy High Command. "There are reports, passed by the censorship, that all our losses have not yet been announced. In addition, there are disquieting reports from competent sources of inter-Service friction. In replacing Admiral Ghormley, the Navy Department has apparently aeted on the wise principle that blame for mistakes must be fixed. Those who are responsible must be removed, but it is questionable if Admiral Ghormley's removal alone will compose all the difficulties in the Pacific. in the lack of unity of command. we might learn a lesson from the Japanese, who have a single comrnander of the entire area." "Admiral Halsey is a resourceful and aggressive leader who may be expected to enforce stricter tactical measures and tighter organisation," declares the New York Times. "But whether he can reverse the course of events is dependent on how fully he is supported. He must have the necessary ships, planes, and troops to drive the enemy baek."