Solomons Action

Taranaki Daily News, 27 August 1942, Page 2

Solomons Action

An outline of the position as it exists in the South Pacific published yesterday morning forms a useful background to the big operation which is now proceeding off the Solomon Islands. Emphasising that the peoples of the South Pacific should not regard the outcome of the American attack on the Solomons as cut and dried. a Press Association corresp'ondent at "a South Pacific port" declared. that the importance of the operation to New Zealand could not be plainer. In brief, the stake as far as the Dominion is concerned is that either a period of comparative security is secured or the danger of direct attack will be greater than ever. * * * Appreciation of the direct bearing that the Solomon Islands have as a stepping-stone towards the Fiji-New Zealand section of the Pacific defences will impart a keyed-up interest to the big sea-air battle reported in a Washington communique. The crux of the question is simply that the United Nations in the Pacific cannot afford a heavy naval loss because this would precipitate an enemy onslaught against New Caledonia and Fiji. On the other hand, the Japanese equally oannot afford an expensive naval failure, otherwise their defence perimeter in the South Pacific will shrink and the way be smoothed for the rolling-up process which is held to be one key to the defeat of Japan. It is clear, therefore, that the great battle reported by Washington "is one of crucial import to both sides engaged and, furthermore, that we in this Dominion have a vital concern in its outcome. The magnitude of the Japanese effort is indicated by revelations in the communique of ships engaged. . Two enemy air-craft-carriers are mentioned, a battleship, and several enemy cruisers. These, however, are only ships that have been hit by American bombers hence the assumption must be that the enemy force is large and the threat, consequentially, one of Serious proportions. * * * On the other side of the picture it is clear that the counter-attack that has developed against the American attackers of the Solomons was anticipated and is being met. The Japanese have wasted little time in attempting to square the first serious repulse they have suffered in the Pacific war, and the j critical question would, therefore, ' appear to devolve upon the degree of preparation time has permitted to the American forces. Though no details have been given, it has been admitted that the losses in the landing operations were severe and this is a factor for consideration. Nevertheless, the striking air victory won over the airfield of Guadalcanal tsland on Sunday afternoon suggests that air defences of the Solomons are in an advanced stage and the use of an airfield must prove decidedly advantageous to pilots who at Midway Island showed their superb skill in attacking targets at sea from land bases. Up to the present time the situation looks satisfactory and raises hope that provided fortune is beneficent the action will go well. But it is evident that events about which it would be.-foolish to be complacent are taking place in the Solomons.