CONFIDENCE IN AUSTRALIA

Southland Times, Issue 24833, 27 August 1942, Page 5

CONFIDENCE IN AUSTRALIA

JAPAN FORCED INTO SHOW-DOWN (Special Australian Correspondent, N.Z.P.A.) 3 (Rec. 11.25 p.m.) SYDNEY, Aug 26. Australia echoes American confidence that the battle now joined in the Solomons will result in another Pacific victory for the United Nations. The action had been expected since the be-

ginning of the Allied offensive in the area three weeks ago and observers here are gratified that Japan has been forced into a naval show-down, with control of the South Pacific as the prize. [ It is emphasized, however, that against such a strong and resolute enemy victory cannot be won without losses. Defeat is not talked of, but it is realized that the consequences of such an outcome might be disastrous. Heavy air blows, mainly against enemy bases at Rabaul and Gasmata, struck by aircraft of the South-West Pacific Command indicates that General Douglas MacArthur’s forces are co-operating in the present action by disrupting the passage of Japanese supplies, particularly air reinforcements. SUPPLEMENTARY DIVERSION The presence of an enemy convoy with warships and transports off the south-east tip of New Guinea leads to the conclusion that the enemy has planned intensified activity in this sector as a supplementary diversion to his Solomons counter-offensive. The fact that Japanese fighters, which were fortunately destroyed, were ready to operate from an aerodrome in the Buna area supports this belief. The present action appears likely to be spread beyond Solomon Islands waters and the Australian sectors before the battle for the South Pacific is decided. Heavier enemy pressure on Port Moresby is foreseen. The fact that the enemy has thrown battleships into the Solomons action suggests that they came from a large force probably based on Truk, in the Caroline Islands, 1200 miles distant. Truk, the main enemy naval base in the Central Pacific, has been the gathering place for most of Japan’s major southward aggressive forces. Satisfaction is expressed that the Japanese are being hit hard in their most valuable vulnerable type of war-ship-aircraft-carriers. Of 11 carriers in commission at the outbreak, six have been sunk, while the latest Washington communique brings the total reported damaged to four.