Serious Losses in Japanese Shipping

Manawatu Times, Volume 69, Issue 56, 9 March 1944, Page 5

Serious Losses in Japanese Shipping

MAY DETERMINE RESULT OF PACIFIC WAR WASHINGTON, March 7. “The destruction of Japanese shipping by American submarines is increasing to such an extent that it may determine the result of the Pacific war, ’ ’ said Admiral Nimitz, who has arrived for conferences. Addressing a Press conference, he declared: “Our submarines are taking such a heavy toll that lack of shipping may soon be the controlling factor in what Japan is able to do. Our submarines are increasing in number and not decreasing in efficiency, even though the number of targets is slowly decreasing. Although enemy submarines are not frequently seen now, they will Decorne more of a menace as our lines lengthen. The capture of additional oases permits American submarines to deal even heavier blows against enemy shipping by reducing the time spent in going to and from bases. An early encounter with the Japanese fleet would be to our advantage, because we are prepared to meet them. It would be disastrous for their overseas communications if we could fight an early engagement and they lost a good part of, their fleet. My idea is that they arc preserving their fleet as long as possible.’ ’ Admiral Nimitz described the Japanese navy as highly efficient and welltrained. He added: “They have not lost the will to fight. They’re pretty good, but our people are better and equally willing to fight. Our position in the Pacific is very favourable and improves with time. ’ ’ CENTRAL PACIFIC ATTACKS Army and navy aircraft attacked seven enemy positions in the Central Pacific on Sunday, says the Pacific Fleet communique. Army Liberators dropped over 30 tons of bombs on Ponape and Kusaic, damaging ground installations and aviation facilities in harbour areas. A heavy explosion was seen near the airfield at Ponape. Navy search Liberators also bombed Nauru. Army Mitchells, Dauntlesses, Warhawks, navy Hellcats and Venturas dropped 35 tons of bombs and strafed the Eastern Marshall atolls, encountering moderate ack-ack. Two Hellcats failed to return. Colonel Knox said plans had been made for eleven more Essex class 27,000-ton aircraft carriers than originally intended. Two 45,000-ton carriers are also under construction.