FOR CONTROL OF SOLOMONS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 3 February 1943, Page 4

FOR CONTROL OF SOLOMONS

Announced in Washington SOME LOSSES SUFFERED ON BOTH SIDES JAPANESE CLAIMS GROSSLY EXAGGERATED LONDON, February 2. Washington announces that United States and Japanese naval and air forces have been engaged in a new major battle for the control of the Solomon Islands, A Navy Department communique says that both sides have suffered some losses, but that no details of the engagement can be given at this time, as they might endanger the success of future operations in the area. This is the action referred to a few days ago by Tokio, which reported a big naval battle south-west of the Solomons. A Washington spokesman said today that the Japanese claims regarding American losses were grossly exaggerated and their own losses understated. ' A Washington spokesman says the battle is still going on. The Japanese move appears to be a desperate effort to land heavy reinforcements and supplies on Guadalcanal Island and to break American sea power in the entire South-West Pacific. Whether the enemy has succeeded in landing any forces is questionable. The American sea forces in the area are believed to be considerable.