EARLIER NEWS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 8 June 1942, Page 3

EARLIER NEWS

ABORTIVE ENEMY ATTACK ON MIDWAY AMERICAN PLANES PLAY MAJOR PART. SUBMARINES ALSO IN ACTION. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) ' HONOLULU, June 6. The Japanese have not followed up their initial air attack on Midway Island, except for a few ineffectual shots from a submarine last night,, states a communique issued by Admiral Nimitz, Commander-in-Chief of the Pacific Fleet. “As more reports are received it appears that the enemy has suffered very heavy damage, involving several ships each of the aircraftcarrier, battleship, cruiser and transport classes. This damage is out of proportion to that which we received. “The brunt of the defence has so far fallen upon our aviation personnel, in which the Army, Navy and Marines are all represented, and they have added another shining page to their record of achievements. “One Japanese carrier, which had already been damaged by air attack, was later hit by three torpedoes from one of our submarines. Several instances are reported of enemy planes machinegunning our air personnel who had bailed out. “While it is too early ’to claim a major Japanese disaster, it may conservatively be stated that the United States’ control remains firm in the Midway area. The enemy appears to be withdrawing, but we are continuing ■to give battle.” ' An earlier communique stated that the air attack on Midway - Island, which was repulsed, inflicted only minor damage on installations on the island, and no casualties were reported. t

ENEMY AIM ATTEMPT TO GAIN CONTROL OF PACIFIC. POSSIBILITY OF DRIVE AGAINST HAWAII. HONOLULU, June 6. “The Japanese attack on Dutch Harbour, as well as the attack on Midway Island, might have been intended to divert attention from another Japanese major drive, possibly against Hawaii or the United States mainland, says a United Press correspondent in a dispatch from Pearl Harbour. “If the Japanese are making a major thrust eastward, they are likely to mebt the full force of the United States naval units in the Hawaiian area, as well as the army’s island-based air power, which has been materially strengthened since December 7.” Naval comment in Washington emphasised that the result of the current engagement in mid-Pacific would determine the enemy’s ability to strike further blows against Hawaii or the Panama Canal. The appearance of a Japanese battle fleet further east than 2000 miles from Yokohama, says an Associated Press correspondent, indicates that the Japanese have resolved to reduce America’s offensive power in the Pacific.