FIRST ROUND

Wairarapa Times-Age, 28 August 1942, Page 3

FIRST ROUND

LOST BY JAPANESE BUT FURTHER EFFORT EXPECTED. CALL ON ALLIED NATIONS. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. The Japanese appear to have lost the first round of their coun-ter-offensive against the southeastern Solomons in extraordinarily quick time, says the Press Association correspondent at a soyith Pacific port. Unless action has since developed afresh, their approach to Guadalcanal does not appear, to have been pressed with anything like the determination which characterised the assault by the United States Marines and the Allied naval forces on the islands almost three weeks ago. It would even seem that the Japanese have failed to disembark any of their forces. However, it should not be taken that their reported withdrawal betokens a decision to relinquish the enterprise. A further assault seems inevitable. The Japanese wounds in this week’s affray, severe and annoying though 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 tiyo Solomon Islands actions, have not yet been sufficient io justify wishful thinking that Japanese naval power is no longer to be feared . Vice-Admiral Ghormley’s fresh success shows that miracles of preparation against the counter-offensive have been achieved in the extremely short time he has had at his command since Ihe islands were captured. The general position now seems to be that 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 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 that 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. Though 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 preponderantly American. The landjng forces have been completely American and the naval forces Allied in composition to only a minor degree. He says that, as a result of United States commitments in other theatres of war, tlie time must come when ohsr countries in the Pacific theatre will take their part in offensive plans. Allied countries must, therefore, be prepared for further calls on manpower if the south-eastern Solomons are finally to be held by the Americans and developed into offensive utility. The future offensive stages must be undertaken by the troops who are the best trained for the difficult and hazardous tasks ahead, and .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, and weeks may still elapse before the issue is placed beyond doubt.