CLEAR ADMISSION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 27 October 1942, Page 3

CLEAR ADMISSION

OF COSTLY ERRORS SEEN IN THE REPLACEMENT OF ADMIRAL GHORMLEY. ACCORDING TO NEW YORK PAPER. (By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright' NEW YORK, October 25. Vice-Admiral Halsey's replacement of Vice-Admiral Ghormley is a clear admission of costly and inexcusable errors made in the prosecution of the war, says the New York "Daily Mirror,” in an editorial. "The Japanese outsmarted, outmanoeuvred and outgunned our naval forces, notably by the sinking of the Canberra, Quincy, Vincennes and Astoria in a sudden audacious attack. Apparently the end of these great ships was without glory for the navy high command. “There are reports passed by the censorship that all our losses have not yet been announced. Additionally, there are disquieting reports, from competent sources of inter-service friction. In replacing Admiral Ghormley, the navy apparently acted on the wise principle that blame for the mistakes must be fixed and that those responsible must be removed, but it is questionable whether Admiral Ghormley s removal alone can compose all our difficulties in the Pacific. “The root of the difficulties lies m the lack of unity of command. We might learn a lesson from the Japanese, who have a single commander in the’entire area.” , “Admiral Halsey is a resourceful, aggressive leader who may be expccte to enforce stricter tactical measures and tighter organisation,” declares the “Times,” “but whether he can reverse the course of events is dependent on how fully he is supported. He must have the necessary ships, planes anci troops to drive the enemy back.