Japanese Appear To Have Lost First Round In Solomons

Taranaki Daily News, 28 August 1942, Page 3

Japanese Appear To Have Lost First Round In Solomons

Warning of coming need to call on Allied manpower issued. rpHE Japanese appear to have lost the first round of their counter-offensive against the south-eastern Solomons in extraordinarily quick time, unless the action has since developed afresh, says the Press Association correspondent at a South Pacific Port. Their approach to Guadalcanal does not appear to have been pressed with anything like the determination which characterised the United States marines and Allied naval forces' assault on the islands almost three weeks ago. It would even seem that the Japanese failed to disembark any of their forces.

However, it should not be taken that the reported withdrawal betokens a decision to relinquish the enterprise, and a further assault seems inevitable. The Japanese wounds in this week's affray. severe and annoying although they will be to the enemy, probably do not do more than touch the main strength of the Japanese naval force which can be brought to bear if Japan decides to pledge it. The losses suffered in the Coral Sea, off Midway and in the two Solomon Islands actions have not yet been sufficient to justify wishful thinking that Japanese naval power is no longer to be feared. Vice- Admiral Ghormley's fresh success shows that miracles of preparatign against the counter-offensive have been achieved in the extremely short time he has had at his command since the islands were captured. The general position now seems to be that Vice-Admiral Ghormley and his Marine Corps forces ashore on the islands have won more time in which to prepare the offensive and defensive capabilities of the islands. Provided the possible losses in ships, personnel, aircraft and general equipment can be replaced and added to quickly, the outlook is at present even more encouraging than it was after the original capture of the islands. This does not mean it is less fateful to the Allies in the southern areas of the Pacific. A

further assault must be expected. It will probably be made in greater force than this one. Although pressed back, the Japanese still possess terrific strength and have gained valuable knowledge. The period of suspense has not been ended by the latest engagement. The correspondent also says that countries whose fate is being decided in the Solomons should also recognise that so far their champions have been proponderantly American. The landing forces have been completely _ American and the naval forces Allied in composition to only a minor degree. He says that as the result of United States commitments in other theatres of the war the time must come when other countries in the Pacific theatre will take their part in offensive plans. The Allied countries must therefore be prepared for further calls upon their manpower if the south-eastern Solomons are finally held by Americans and developed into an offensive utility. A future offensive, he states. must be undertaken by troops best trained for the difficult and hazardous tasks ahead. This will mean that other troops must be used, at least for occupational purposes. In the meantime the fight for the Solomons has by no means ended. Weeks may still elapse before the issue is placed beyond doubt.