Second Phase in the Solomons

Southland Times, Issue 24826, 19 August 1942, Page 4

Second Phase in the Solomons

REPORTS from the Solomon Islands continue to be encouraging. According to a Washington estimate, 5000 square miles (more than a third of the total area) “are now under the control of the Allied forces.” Moreover, there is no pause in the process of occupation. The Americans are extending their footing to islands beyond the Tulagi area. And, most significant of all the facts reported so far, the attack-

ing force is now able to use cap-1 tured air bases. This means that | the new garrisons will be given the fullest air protection against counterattacks. Army bombers can be flown directly to the Solomons. Tulagi is only about 1300 miles from Fiji— a n air journey comparable with the Tasman route between Sydney and Auckland—and Fiji is in the chain of bases which links the south-west Pacific to Pearl Harbour and the United States. More difficult, however, is the question of reinforcement and supply. The strain of the offensive will rest most heavily on shipping; and while the European zone continues to dominate Allied policy there are strict limits to the tonnage that can be used in the Pacific. It is clear, therefore, that the protection of the supply routes has become a naval task of the utmost importance. The problem would be simplified if the Japanese decided to meet the naval challenge. A Washington correspondent has written wistfully of “the disruption of the Japanese supply lines” which could be brought about by “a great victory over the Japanese fleet.” It is by no means certain, however, that the enemy will risk the crippling’ of his naval strength in a major engagement. The sea battle which occurred on the night of August 8 does not appear to have been on a large scale, although it was fought at close range in the darkness—conditions full of hazard and difficulty. Whatever the losses may have been, on either side, the Japanese attack failed to prevent the Americans from making landings and consolidating their positions. This was the only sea battle fought during the period covered by the official statement from Washington. Within the past few days there have been reports of a naval action which may be additional to the one already described. It seems obvious that the Japanese, aware of the growing threat to their bases in New Britain and New Guinea, must either fight it out in the Coral Sea or attempt a diversionary raid against Allied territory. They will certainly not remain satisfied with a fighting withdrawal.