Scale tipped in favour of Allies.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 August 1942, Page 3

Scale tipped in favour of Allies.

The Press Association correspond-

ent at a South Pacific port states that the present apparent lull in the Solomons should not be taken as a sign that conquest has been completed by the Allies or that the Japa-

nese have decided to content themselves with allowing only desultory fighting tb. disturb American possession. The struggle for sea control may flare up again at any moment. It is possible that the present monsoonal weather is partly accounting for the reductioh of activity. In any case, it is evident that the Allied fleet has been re-grouped and is ready for the expected challenge. The Japanese may • seek some means of recapturing the initiative that does not necessitate risking a major fleet engagement. Meanwhile, the land fighting has by no mfans eeased. The initiative and the advantage. are in the hands of the American forces, ^ut the natural characteristics of the islands make it impossible for complete occupation to be achieved until the last Japanese formation has been annihilated. Although defeated in that they have lost control of the southeastern Solomons area, the Japanese have not yet been militarily liquidated. Strong forces, although in' the defensive, are still in being beyond the Americans' forward positions and there has been no hint that an enemy SUrrender is even prospective. Delaying Action. While the Americans are steadily strengthening their own positions, organising their bases and still fighting offensive actions, beyond them the Japanese are bitterly struggling for delay, either to give their fleet time to relieve them by direct assault or to enable a counteroffensive to, be developed elsewhere for the purpose of drawing off the Allied blockade, which now stands between the enemy and successful reinforcement. Their control of pivotal areas and seaways of the south-eastem Solomons has enabled the Americans to complete their local organisation for further action and necessary maintenance. However, the correspondent again urges that, notwithstanding the marked success and continued progress achieved, the operation is still in the balance. The scales are tipped down in f avour of the Allies but much can still happen. Attention must remain riveted on the sea and restrained optimism is still the keynote to the general outlook. The Japanese and the Allies must complete their preparations and organise new bases for the next move and some time might elapse before this blow can be struck.