SURPRISE BLOWS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 15 February 1943, Page 4

SURPRISE BLOWS

AGAINST THE JAPANESE MAINLAND PREDICTED IN WASHINGTON. TALK OF AIR OFFENSIVE FROM CHINA. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) (Received This Day, 11.15 a.m.) WASHINGTON, February 14. The Allies will launch surprise blows against Japan soon, according to war observers here. Aerial attacks against the Japanese mainland and increased efforts against her shipping and supply lines are expected. Bases in China will be used for an air offensive. The South Pacific American forces are thought to be preparing for attacks. Munda is now being softened by intensive aerial assault. David Lawrence, the “New York Sun’s” Washington correspondent, says a plan to take the offensive against Japan has crystallised. He regards as significant Mr Churchill’s pledge that Britain will help with all her might. “The United States could defeat Japan without any help, but it would take five years,” comments Mr Lawrence. “With the co-operation of British naval and air forces it might be done in a year after Hitler has been beaten.” Mr Joseph Harsch, writing in the “Christian Science Monitor,” believes that new and more intensive developments in China, preparatory to an attack on Japan, are indicated by the visit to Chungking of Field-Marshal Sir J. Dill and Lieutenant-General Arnold. “This is strongly confirmed by Washington reports that General MacArthur and Field-Marshal Wavell will soon meet for the first time,” says Mr Harsch. “Marshal Wavell could provide flanking protection for General MacArthur’s force striking along the line from Australia towards the Philippines. However, the important question is which side will strike first. While present events may be part of the war of nerves, the tension in the atmosphere also gives warning of big things stirring.”