Australia Feels Optimistic About Outcome of Battle

Taranaki Daily News, 28 August 1942, Page 3

Australia Feels Optimistic About Outcome of Battle

Special Australian Correspondent.

Sydney, Aug. 27. The attempted counter-invasion by the Japanese of the Americanheld Solomon Islands will be thwarted, in the opinion of observers in Australia, reviewing the progress of the battle. The latest news of the great sea and air battle suggests that the Allied forces have a distinct upper hand. It is possible that major units of the enemy invasion fieet have already been forced to retire, leaving smaller vessels attempting to carry on. Flying Fortresses, as well as carrier-'based aircraft, have carried the attack seaward and dealt staggering blows to the strong Japanese striking force. The New York Times' Washington correspondent suggests that the fact that the enemy force approached its objectives from the north-east supports the belief that the enemy came from a rendezvous somewhere in the Caroline Group, probably Truk. From there the Japanese are believed to have swung wide eastward and then turned southwest, attempting to escape detection by American reconnaissance planes. The enemy's hope of making a surprise raid, however, was not realised. It is believed that the enemy's main force was intercepted before reaching the immediate vicinity of the Solomons. Proof of Importance. Japan's all-out bid to retake the Solomons is interpreted as conclusive proof that she attaches the greatest importance to Tulagi and the surrounding area. One military expert writes: "American possession of these bases represents a springboard from which the Allies can invade and recapture positions in New Britain and New Guinea as a preliminary to an all-out drive north to Japan itself. If the Japanese retake the Solomons they will be provided again with a springboard from which they can attempt further advances southward to the New Hebrides and New Caledonia in order to isolate Australia and New Zealand." "If the Allies can maintain the offensive in the Solomons and push forward the security of the South Pacific will be ensured," says the Fighting French national committee delegate for the Pacific, Rear-Admiral D'Argenlieu, who has arrived at Sydney from New Caledonia on an official visit. Rear-Admiral D'Argenlieu said he had discussed the war situation with Vice-Admiral Ghormley and he believed that the protection of the Solomons, which have such an important strategic position, meant also protection for the rest of the South Pacific, particularly New Caledonia. He considered that the position of the Pacific war had Lmproved to such an extent as to permit him to make a goodwill visit to Australia and New Zealand.