NAVAL SHOWDOWN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 27 August 1942, Page 3

NAVAL SHOWDOWN

WELCOMED IN AUSTRALIA CONTROL OF SOUTH PACIFIC AT STAKE. | I IMPORTANCE OF ALLIED AIR ACTION. (Special Australian Correspondent.) SYDNEY, August 26. Australia echoes the American confidence that the battle which has now been joined in the Solomon Islands, will result in another Pacific victory for the Allied Nations. The action had been expected since the beginning of the Allied offensive in the area three weeks ago, and observers here are gratified that Japan has been forced into a naval showdown with the control of the south Pacific as the prize. It is emphasised, however, that against a strong and resolute enemy, a victory cannot be won without losses. A defeat is not talked of, but it is realised that the consequences of such an outcome might be disastrous. The heavy air blows, mainly against the enemy bases at Rabaul and Gas--jnata, which have been struck by aircraft of the South-West Pacific Command indicate that General MacArthur’s forces have been co-operating in the present action by disrupting the passage of Japanese supplies, particularly air reinforcements. The presence of an enemy convoy with warships and transports off the south-east tip of New Guinea leads to the conclu-l sion that the enemy has planned intensified activity in this sector as a supplementary diversion to their Solomons counter-offensive, and the fact that the Japanese fighters, fortunately destroyed, were ready to operate from an aerodrome in the Buna area supports this belief. The present action appears likely to spread beyond Solomon Islands waters, and Australian observers expect increased activity in the sectors of New Guinea and elsewhere north of Australia before the battle for the south Pacific is decided. Heavier enemy pressure on Port Moresby is foreseen. The fact that the enemy has thrown battleships into the Solomons action suggests that they came from a large ■force probably based on Truk, in the Caroline Islands, 1200 miles distant. Truk is the main enemy naval base in the central Pacific and has been the gathering place for most of Japan’s major southward aggressive forces. Satisfaction is expressed that the Japanese are being hit hard in their most valuable and vulnerable type of warships—aircraft-carriers. Of 11 carriers which they had in commission at the outbreak of the war six have been; sunk, while the latest Washington communique brings the total reported damaged to four. AMERICAN MARINES NEW FORCE OF SHOCK TROOPS. LONDON, August 26. A Washington statement describes the American force which raided Makin Island in the Gilbert group •.nine days ago as part of a new force •of shock troops which have been spe- ' cially chosen from the marines. Their equipment and training have been a closely-guarded secret. Part of then' speciality is attack from the sea and

smashing of enemy communications and stores. Men of this force are now taking part in the Solomon Islands battle.