LANDING ON MALAITA

Southland Times, Issue 24823, 15 August 1942, Page 5

LANDING ON MALAITA

STRONG FORCES OF AMERICANS (Special Australian Correspondent, N.Z.P.A.) (Rec. 11.10 p.m.) SYDNEY, Aug. 14. American observers believe Japan may be forced to bring her main fleet into action in an effort to save her positions in the Solomons. No further official details are known of the fighting, which is still continuing on sea and land. However, it is confirmed that strong American forces have landed on a fourth island, Malaita, in addition to Tulagi, Guadalcanar and Florida. Some report- say that American Marines, heavily reinforced, are breaking down the Japanese hold on Tulagi. It is stated that the Japanese had developed Tulagi’r defences to a greater extent than expected. They were evidently determined to make it an important naval base. A third postponement of the promised announcement by Tokyo radio of details of the battle may indicate that the fighting is not developing to the liking of the Japanese Command. When Colonel Frank Knox, American Secretary of the Navy, was asked how he felt about developments in the Solomons he replied: Very good. POSSESSION OF AIR-FIELD American opinion is that the action will require additional strength for the

Allied sea forces already engaged. Observers point out that vessels must be deployed throughout the outer area of the battle zone in order to guard against an enemy surprise move and to prevent reinforcements reaching the islands. Possession of airfields on Guadalacanar will be of the highest importance to the Allies.

Among war correspondents ui Australia the opinion grows that the Allied offensive against the Solomons narrowly forestalled further aggressive moves by the Japanese. They point to substantial enemy shipping concentrations in Rabaul and the Banda Sea areas, which have suffered heavily from Allied

bombing attacks. Further attacks on enemy warships and transports in the New Guinea area are reported in today’s South-west Pacific headquarters communique. These attacks are known to have been made at sea, but no indication has yet been given of the likely destination of the convoy. In counter-operations the Japanese are reported to be using Zero fighters fitted with floats. These can be readily operated among the islands, where good landing grounds are scarce, but sheltered sea bases are plentiful. MENACE TO FIJI AND N.Z. JAPANESE BASES IN SOLOMONS (Special Australian Correspondent, N.Z.P.A.) (Rec. 11.35 p.m.) SYDNEY,, Aug. 14. “If we can drive the Japanese back from the Solomons, Australia and New Zealand can breathe more easily. I cannot comment on the battle—l am not a member of the War Cabinet—but the implications are obvious.” The Hon. J. G. Barclay, the New Zealand Minister of Marketing, said this to journalists here today shortly before leaving to inspect Australian munitions factories. The Japanese bases in the Solomons, Mr Barclay added, were a constant menace to Fiji, New Zealand and to Australia’s supply line with the United States. “I believe that the threat of invasion has been more fully realized by the people of New Zealand than by those I have seen in Australia,” he said. “Our preparations are well forward to meet any emergency.” The general opinion in New Zealand was that Australia was in more imminent danger of invasion than New Zealand. If either country were invaded there would be complete co-operation between their armed forces. “One of the happy consequences of the war has been the vital link forged between the Dominions,” said the Minister. “Before the war there was a good deal of trade rivalry. That has all gone by the board. Today New Zealand is only too willing to lend whatever aid it can to Australia just as we know Australia is prepared to help us in every possible way. If Australia is invaded there will be the fullest cooperation from New Zealand, both to assist your fighting forces and help to feed your people.”