ALLIED GAINS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 15 August 1942, Page 3

ALLIED GAINS

AIRHELD ON GUADALCANAR TAKEN LIKELIHOOD OF EXTENDED NAVAL FIGHTING. JAPANESE MAY HAVE TO RISK MAIN FLEET. (Special Australian Correspondent.) SYDNEY. August 14. American observers believe that Japan may be forced to bring her main fleet into action in an effort to save her positions in the Solomons. No further official details are known of the fighting, which is still continuing on sea and land. However, it is confirmed that strong American forces have landed on a fourth island—Malaika —in addition to Tulagi, Guadalcanal and Florida (island of the Tulagi group). Some reports say that-the American marines, heavily reinforced,’ are breaking down the Japanese hold on Tulagi. It is stated that the Japanese had developed Tulagi’s defences to a greater extent than was expected, and they were evidently determined to make it an important naval base. At least one airfield on Guadalcanal’ is said to have fallen into Allied hands. A third postponement of the promised announcement by Tokio radio of the details of the battle may indicate that the fighting is not developing to the liking of the Japanese command. American opinion is that the action will require additional strength for the Allied sea forces already engaged. Observers point out that vessels must be deployed throughout the outer area of the battle zone in order to guard against an enemy surprise move, and prevent reinforcements from reaching the islands. Possession of the airfields on Guadalcanal’ will be of the highest importance to the Allies. Among the war correspondents in Australia, the opinion grows that the Allied offensive against the Solomons has narrowly forestalled further aggressive moves by the Japanese. They point to the substantial enemy shipping concentrations in the Rabaul and Banda Sea areas, which have suffered heavily from the Allied bombing attacks. Further attacks on enemy warships and transports in the New Guinea area are reported in today’s South-West Pacific communique. These attacks are known to have been made at sea, but there is no indication yet of the likely destination of the convoy. In counter-operations the Japanese are reported to be using Zero fighters fitted with floats. These can be readily operated among the islands, where good landing-grounds are scarce, but sheltered sea bases are plentiful.